Who Will Do This Work — Class 5 EVS (CBSE)
Based on the NCERT Looking Around Grade 5 textbook. Understand the importance of dignity of labour, then solve the practice set.
1. Why this chapter matters
Some jobs in our society are considered 'dirty' or 'low', and the people who do them are often treated badly. This chapter addresses the issue of manual scavenging — the cleaning of human waste by hand — which has been practised in India for centuries. It introduces students to the reform movements led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi to end this practice. The chapter teaches the value of dignity of labour — that all work, no matter what it is, deserves respect.
2. Manual scavenging
Manual scavenging is the cleaning, carrying, or disposing of human waste from dry latrines (toilets without flushing). This work was traditionally done by certain communities who were forced into it because of the caste system.
Why is it a problem?
- It is extremely unhealthy and dangerous.
- Workers come into contact with disease-causing waste.
- Workers are often paid very little.
- They are looked down upon by society.
- Children of scavengers often had to do the same work.
The law
Manual scavenging was legally abolished in India in 1993 (Employment of Manual Scavengers Act). Despite this, the practice continues in some places.
3. Dr B.R. Ambedkar
Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) was born into a Dalit (formerly 'untouchable') family. He faced discrimination throughout his life. He became one of India's greatest leaders and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
His work against manual scavenging
- He strongly opposed the caste system that forced people into scavenging.
- He believed education was the key to empowerment.
- He encouraged Dalits to fight for their rights.
- As Law Minister, he ensured that the Constitution banned 'untouchability' (Article 17).
4. Mahatma Gandhi and the ashram
Mahatma Gandhi believed in the dignity of all labour. In his ashram, everyone — rich or poor, high caste or low caste — did all kinds of work, including cleaning toilets.
Gandhi's principles
- Sarvodaya: Welfare of all.
- Swachhta: Cleanliness is next to godliness.
- Shram: Physical labour is honourable.
- He said: 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.'
- Gandhi personally cleaned toilets in his ashram to show that no work is beneath anyone's dignity.
5. Dignity of labour
Dignity of labour means that all types of jobs are respected equally. No job is 'superior' or 'inferior'.
Why it matters
| Job | Why it is important |
|---|---|
| Sweeper | Keeps our streets and homes clean |
| Sanitation worker | Prevents spread of diseases |
| Garbage collector | Manages waste, keeps environment clean |
| Farmer | Grows the food we eat |
| Teacher | Educates our children |
| Doctor | Keeps us healthy |
Every job contributes to society. No one should be looked down upon for doing honest work.
6. Cleanliness drives
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission)
Launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this is a nationwide cleanliness campaign. Its goals include:
- Eliminating open defecation.
- Converting dry latrines to flush toilets.
- Proper waste management.
- Changing people's attitudes towards cleanliness and sanitation.
What students can do
- Keep your school and home clean.
- Do not litter — use dustbins.
- Respect people who clean for a living.
- Participate in cleanliness drives in your neighbourhood.
7. Activity corner
Activity 1: Write a short paragraph about a person in your neighbourhood who does cleaning work. Why should we respect their work?
Activity 2: List five different jobs that involve cleaning or sanitation. Next to each job, write why it is important for society.
Activity 3: Organise a cleanliness drive in your school or neighbourhood. Pick up litter, sweep, and plant a few saplings.
8. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking manual scavenging no longer exists in India Fix: Despite being illegal, manual scavenging still continues in some parts of India. We need to be aware and take action.
- Mistake: Confusing 'dignity of labour' with 'doing any job' Fix: Dignity of labour means respecting all workers, not that children should do any job. Children should go to school.
- Mistake: Believing certain work is only for certain communities Fix: No job is meant for a particular caste or community. Everyone can do any honest work.
9. Key facts
- Manual scavenging: cleaning human waste by hand — now illegal.
- Dr B.R. Ambedkar: fought for Dalit rights, drafted the Constitution.
- Mahatma Gandhi: practised and preached dignity of labour.
- Dignity of labour: all honest work deserves respect.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2014): national cleanliness mission.
- Respect sanitation workers — they do essential work.
- Keep your surroundings clean. Do not litter.
10. Self-test
- What is manual scavenging?
- Is manual scavenging legal in India?
- What did Mahatma Gandhi do to show dignity of labour?
- What is the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?
- Why should we respect all types of work?
11. Answer key
-
What is manual scavenging? Answer: Manual scavenging is the cleaning and disposal of human waste from dry latrines by hand.
-
Is manual scavenging legal in India? Answer: No. It was abolished in 1993 by the Employment of Manual Scavengers Act.
-
What did Mahatma Gandhi do to show dignity of labour? Answer: Gandhi personally cleaned toilets in his ashram and made everyone, regardless of caste, participate in cleaning work.
-
What is the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? Answer: It is a nationwide cleanliness mission launched in 2014 to end open defecation, improve waste management, and change attitudes towards cleanliness.
-
Why should we respect all types of work? Answer: Every job contributes to society. All honest work has dignity. No one should be looked down upon for doing essential work.
12. Quick revision
- Manual scavenging is illegal but still exists in some places.
- Dr Ambedkar: fought caste discrimination, drafted Constitution.
- Gandhi: practised dignity of labour in his ashram.
- Dignity of labour = all honest work is respectable.
- Swachh Bharat: national cleanliness mission.
- Respect sanitation workers and their contribution.
- Keep your surroundings clean — do not litter.
- Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their work.
