Garbage lying on a street in Patna
Politicians and government officials across the country today took to the streets, to offices and to railway stations, launching an ambitious scheme to clean India. But despite the various photo ops and impressive on-paper schemes, on the ground, those who clean the streets on daily basis, say more needs to be done.
For over a decade now, 30-year-old Ajay Manjhi, a daily wager with the Patna Municipal Corporation has entered the drains of Patna, without any protective clothing or masks, to clean them. For his efforts, Mr Manjhi gets Rs 184 a day as a daily wager, and many skin infections as an add on.
"How can I say there will be a difference, unless my situation improves on the ground... Unless the government gives me anything," says Mr Manjhi.
For 40-year-old, Manoj, who lifts garbage from the streets of Patna, again as a daily wager, and has been at it for the past decade, the battle is not only physical, but also of stigma and perception. "Of course there is stigma. People put a hand on their nose and walk past us. Can I do that? I can't. I have to work," he says. On being asked if such high-profile politicians wielding brooms will make a difference, he says bluntly, "No, I don't think so."
In Bhopal though, a little more optimism is on offer. Pinki Durbe and his wife, both sweepers, who spent Gandhi Jayanti working as usual, say they hope Narendra Modi's focus on cleanliness will change attitudes. Mr Durbe says, "We feel bad that we are treated like this. Now with this cleanliness drive I hope that we will be respected for our work."