This paper explores the current aspects of the socio-cultural marginalization of the untouchables, namely, the scavenger community (known by the caste name of Bhangi or Balmiki) in lndia through an examination of administrative reforms. The traditional occupation of the scavenger community-sweeping of certain streets or house holds and removing night soil from latrines-has been one aspect of lndia's traditional caste system. The caste system is a form of social stratification where in social inequality is structured and accorded legitimacy by the privileged sections of society Scavengers are often described as they are considered to be the lowest community, even when compared with other untouchables; moreover, they have been excluded from society in various socio-cultural activities. However, they have continued to co-exist with in this oppressive society for long time by performing jobs, which albeit being "filthy and polluted ", are essential for the maintenance of the social environment, especially in urban areas.
With the construction of new latrines and sewage systems, the scavengers began to nurture hopes of being liberated from their working conditions. However, despite the government's efforts to ameliorate their condition in the state, little progress has been achieved thus far. This article presents the problem posed by government-led social reforms aimed at the scavenger community by examining a national scheme that was initiated in the 1960s to abolish the customary rights of scavengers. It also explores the dispute that arose between the state and the scavengers over customary rights. It is presumed that the customary rights of scavengers have originated chiefly from indigenous social systems, such as the Jajmani system. The Jajmani system, existing in villages in North lndia, comprises caste-based service relationships. In this system, each caste is mutually exclusive but enters into service relationships with the others. This system under went modifications and was weakened through out the 19th and 20th centuries. According to govemment committee reports on scavengers, the government insisted that the customary rights should be abolished immediately because it was claimed that these rights led to several social problems concerning human rights and public health. On the other hand, from the scavengers' stand point, the issue of abolition was crucially linked to their life. Although scavenging is characterized by hardships, the scavengers retained a certa in economic security because they controlled their work environment and possessed a means of survival. Yet, several scavengers were in favor of abolishing these rights in an appropriate manner and achieving gradual progress. Hence, the dispute between the scavengers and the govemment continued, the focal question being "how to abolish", these rights.
It appears that the argument was finally settled to the disadvantage of the scavengers. Rejecting the claims of the scavengers, the state was reluctant to offer them adequate compensation and altemative employment in lieu of the deprivation of their customary rights. Their demands for compensation, in particular, were rejected from the legal point of view. This paper traces the process where by government welfare measures do not always prove advantageous to the target groups; instead, these measures may serve to marginalize them. Further analysis leads to a study of the current situation of scavengers, where in they find themselves locked into a specific occupation; this is evident from the fact that the employees of the municipal sanitation department are chiefiy recruited from the scavenger community .
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