Basic Profile
Santosh is engaged in waste collection under the traditional Birath system—a caste-based occupational role, she inherited from a co-worker who passed it on before her death. Santosh is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in Rampura 2, which comprises two lanes and 18 households. Her duties include sweeping roads, cleaning drains, and collecting household waste. In return, she receives monthly payments ranging from ₹40 to ₹100 per household, with occasional contributions in kind such as food, sweets, or clothing. During festivals, weddings, or birthdays, families offer her bonuses of ₹100 to ₹500, strengthening the social ties embedded in this customary arrangement. She also takes small informal loans from the families she serves, which are deducted from her monthly earnings.
Birath is a caste-linked customary practice found in Bikaner, Rajasthan, wherein a family from a specific community traditionally assumes responsibility for cleaning the homes and surrounding areas of upper-caste households. In return, they receive in-kind support such as leftover food, old clothing, or seasonal provisions.
The role of the Birath is typically hereditary and may be passed down within the family or to another community member, depending on individual choice. The households served, often referred to as Jajman, provide additional assistance to their Birath during key life events such as births, marriages, or funerals. In return, the Birath family participates in the Jajman’s ceremonies and celebrations, and may receive monetary gifts or other tokens of gratitude.
With the onset of urbanization, these traditional arrangements have undergone substantial transformation. Today, instead of being tied to a single affluent Jajman family, a Birath family may serve multiple households along a lane or neighbourhood. Compensation has also shifted: rather than in-kind offerings alone, they now receive monthly payments that vary across households and are often informal. Despite these changes, many Jajman families continue to support their Birath during major life events, and sometimes extend small, interest-free loans – often adjusted against monthly dues.
Santosh and her husband sort the collected waste at home and sell it every 2–3 days to a nearby vendor, earning between ₹300 to ₹500 per sale. Her monthly income through this work averages ₹4,000–₹5,000. Her husband works intermittently in construction, and earns ₹500–₹600 per day for about 15–20 days each month, contributing another ₹7,500 to ₹10,000. Their combined household income ranges between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000. Despite this, the family remains financially strained. Last month, Santosh borrowed ₹20,000 from a local moneylender at an annual interest rate of 120%, translating to ₹2,000 in monthly interest. The loan requires full repayment without instalments, making it a heavy burden.
Both their daughters attend private schools, though only the younger one benefits from fee exemption under Section 12(1)(C) of the Right to Education Act. The elder daughter’s admission was initially accepted under RTE, but the school later revoked the exemption, demanding full fee payment. The family chose to keep her enrolled by covering the costs themselves. Last academic year, delayed fee payments prevented the elder daughter from sitting for her final exams on time, while the younger was permitted. The elder child was later allowed to take a special exam after the fees were cleared.
In the academic year of 2025-26, under section (12) (1) (C) of RTE Act, 2009, all the recognized private schools will ensure that 25% of all the seats in each grade be reserved for the economically weaker and disadvantage groups.
Santosh owns a bank account and is aware of lower-interest group loans available through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), but she has not enrolled in any due to concerns about committing ₹500–₹1,000 monthly. Her reluctance stems from financial instability and the unpredictability of her earnings. The family’s food habits are modest, lacking fruit or regular milk; a small milk packet is purchased each morning for tea. Despite these constraints, Santosh ensures her children and family receive three daily meals. Her own health has deteriorated since the birth of her second child via caesarean section in a government hospital, requiring regular pain and digestive medication. Her husband, who has diabetes, also depends on daily medication. Together, they spend approximately ₹1,000–₹1,500 each month on health-related expenses.
Since joining SEWA a year ago, Santosh has become an agewan—a grassroots mobilizer—actively participating in trainings on occupational safety and awareness. She remains hopeful that through the SEWA program, she will gain both individual and collective benefits, improving her economic resilience and social standing within her community.
Reflections