• Col. (Dr.) Naresh Kumar
• Prof. Sartaj Ahmad

Both population and economy classify India as a developing nation. We have the second-highest population, behind China. A large number of people migrate to towns in the hope of a better life; as a result, villages are being replaced by slums, which become extensions of cities. This has led to environmental issues, including solid waste generation. Even with the policies that the government has developed, waste management remains a persistent issue. In this aspect, rag pickers play a major role in clearing the solid waste generated by an ever-increasing population. Many urban poor are turning to this occupation as a source of income, as it requires no special expertise. They pick up the waste articles, which include papers, plastic bags, pet jars, containers, metal pieces, and even leftover discarded food. During the process of collecting waste, they encounter many problems, such as animal bites, harassment by local residents, police, and district authorities, besides contacting various diseases due to the filthy work environment. Rag pickers have low earnings considering the amount of time they spend on this activity. Women are also involved in rag picking, and they too face multiple problems at their settlements and at the workplace. Through this paper, an attempt is being made to carry out a study of living conditions, work environment, and health. The challenges faced by women who work as rag pickers in the slums of Meerut City are significant.

rag pickers, slums, recycling, socio-economic condition, solid waste.

"Woman Rag Pickers in Meerut: A study on Living Conditions, Work Environment and Health Issues", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 5, page no.h224-h232, May-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2405728.pdf

"Woman Rag Pickers in Meerut: A study on Living Conditions, Work Environment and Health Issues", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 5, page no. pph224-h232, May-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2405728.pdf