This project will focus on helping wastepickers receive at least 2 sets of uniforms. The purpose behind this is to formal the waste collection system by helping wastepickers gain recognition through their uniforms and id cards. This will help make them more socially inclusive and less marginalized. Besides this, their uniforms that also include masks and gloves will protect them from being injured while dealing with hazardous waste.
India is drowning under its own waste-most of the 65 million tons of waste lands up in open dumps, polluting the water irreversibly. Across India, wastepickers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save lakhs of rupees by salvaging paper, cartons.Harassment by police, municipality and the public, cuts and injuries, exposure to toxins and extreme stigma is part of their daily lives. In addition, lack of official recognition. The project will try and help 500 wastepickers gain recognition.
Chintan provides uniforms and id cards so help wastepickers gain recognition for their work as well as so that wastepickers can protect themselves while working in hazardous conditions.
Chintan will work with 500 wastpeickers living in extremely violence-ridden, poor, and socio-culturally marginalized waste-picking community in India to help them have access to proper working conditions and safety equipment. This will also enable them to get used to a structured way of life, recognize their rights as human beings, and aim for a more dignified way of living.
