Delhi’s GB Road, officially known as Swami Shradhanand Marg, is one of the most well-known red-light districts in India. While it is home to thousands of sex workers, the region is also synonymous with a lack of basic amenities, inadequate sanitation, and unaddressed grievances. With Delhi’s assembly elections approaching, the voices of these sex workers have once again highlighted the pressing need for governmental intervention and systemic change.
Neglected Voices in Electoral Promises
For decades, the sex workers of GB Road have lived in conditions far below humane standards. Despite being registered voters who actively participate in elections, they remain a largely ignored demographic. Many sex workers, like Savitri, who has spent 30 years in this profession, lament that political leaders rarely address their issues. Savitri explains, “We vote like every other citizen, but no one considers our needs. Our living conditions are appalling, with four to five women sharing a single room and ten to fifteen women relying on one common washroom.”
This lack of attention underscores the stigma that sex workers face, not just socially but politically as well.
Unbearable Living Conditions: A Call for Basic Amenities
The living conditions on GB Road are dire. The sex workers, most of whom occupy small, dimly lit rooms, lack access to proper ventilation. Reshma, a 30-year-old sex worker, shares, “There are no proper windows for air or sunlight. Our rooms are so cramped that only one bed can fit in. To make matters worse, the drainage from the washrooms flows right outside our doors, creating unhygienic conditions.”
The lack of clean drinking water exacerbates their struggles. Many have no choice but to use contaminated water due to the absence of a functioning pipeline. Reshma further adds, “We face water and sanitation problems daily. Even electricity is unreliable, especially in summers when the power cuts are unbearable.”
Key Issues Highlighted by Residents:
- Water scarcity: Broken pipelines and unhygienic water supplies leave residents with no safe water options.
- Inadequate sanitation: Overflowing drains and limited washrooms contribute to an unhealthy environment.
- Cramped housing: Multiple women are forced to live in extremely confined spaces.
- Power outages: Frequent power cuts disrupt daily life, particularly in extreme weather.
The Persistent Problem of Empty Promises
Election seasons often bring a glimmer of hope to the sex workers of GB Road, as candidates visit the area with promises of improvement. However, these promises rarely translate into action. Rani, a sex worker who has lived on GB Road for over a decade, notes, “Every election, they come and make promises, but nothing changes. Our pipeline has been broken for months, and no one comes to fix it. The water we get is filthy, but we have no other choice.”
This recurring cycle of broken promises reflects the systemic neglect faced by this marginalized community. It is not only a matter of political will but also a lack of empathy for their plight.
The Struggle for Identity and Resources
One of the most pressing issues faced by sex workers on GB Road is the lack of identity documents. Many women do not have ration cards or other essential identification, which leaves them excluded from government welfare schemes. Anita, a 70-year-old resident, says, “We are treated as though we don’t matter. No one listens to us. Even when we complain, nothing is done. Without ration cards, we cannot access subsidized food or other benefits.”
This exclusion perpetuates a cycle of poverty and marginalization. While several NGOs work in the area, their efforts are often insufficient to address the systemic issues faced by the residents.
Challenges in Accessing Welfare Benefits:
- Lack of ration cards and identity documents.
- Exclusion from government housing schemes.
- Limited healthcare facilities available to the community.
The Need for Government Action
The sex workers of GB Road have consistently demanded basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and better living conditions. However, these demands have largely fallen on deaf ears. As the assembly elections approach, the community hopes that their voices will finally be heard.
It is imperative for the government to take concrete steps to improve the lives of GB Road’s sex workers. Some of the immediate measures that can be implemented include:
- Improved sanitation: Installing proper drainage systems and increasing the number of washrooms.
- Access to clean water: Repairing pipelines and ensuring a regular supply of safe drinking water.
- Housing improvements: Expanding living spaces and ensuring proper ventilation and lighting.
- Electricity supply: Addressing frequent power outages to provide uninterrupted electricity.
- Welfare inclusion: Providing identity documents and integrating sex workers into government welfare programs.
The Role of Society in Driving Change
While the government plays a crucial role in addressing the issues faced by sex workers, societal attitudes also need to evolve. The stigma attached to their profession often prevents them from accessing even basic rights. Advocacy and awareness campaigns are essential to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.
Community-based organizations and NGOs must also scale up their efforts to bridge the gap between the sex workers and the government. By acting as mediators, these organizations can ensure that the grievances of GB Road’s residents reach the appropriate authorities.