Dharmendra Yadav

Work area : Delhi

Dharmendar is a labour rights activist with a profound commitment to improving the lives of waste labourers in Delhi. After passing out from DU, he has worked tirelessly towards realising the rights and dignity of waste pickers, a segment of the population often overlooked and marginalized. Under his leadership, Lokadhikar was formed in 2002 and has since then made significant strides in transforming the working conditions and socio-economic welfare of waste labourers.

His foremost initiative is the formation of the All India Kachra Shramik Mahasangh, which brings together approximately 17,000 waste labourers, allowing them to collectively address their concerns and enhance their working conditions. He plays a vital role in connecting waste labourers with social security schemes, ensuring their families have access to essential support systems.

The organization is engaged in the labour colonies of Shahbad Dairy and Jahangirpuri. The volunteers and leaders from among the communities have been representing the rights of waste labourers to the police, traffic police, and municipal bodies. They are also actively involved in waste management efforts such as segregation and recycling, and they produce compost from wet waste in residential colonies, thereby offering waste labourers an alternative source of income.

Under Dharmedar’s leadership, the sangathan has achieved numerous remarkable milestones, including mitigating police harassment, identifying eligible beneficiaries for welfare schemes, advocating for and securing pensions, facilitating ration cards and voter identification, and enrolling children in mainstream schools and supporting their tutoring needs.

His dedication to the cause of waste labourers and his unwavering commitment to their rights have made Lokadhikar a beacon of hope for these marginalized workers in Delhi. Through various initiatives, advocacy, and hard-fought achievements, the organization continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those working in this vital but often overlooked industry.