29.09.24.Untouchables News.....अछूत समाचार.தீண்ட தகாதவர் செய்திகள்.by Team Sivaji.Chennai
Dalits in Pudukkottai village hoist banner listing unmet demands
Their long-pending demands for facilities like proper roads, a crematorium and water tanks placed with the authorities were not heeded to
PUDUKKOTTAI: Continuing their protest for basic amenities like proper road network and water supply, over 400 Dalit residents of Aathiyadipatti in Karambakudi taluk of the district have erected a banner at the entrance to their locality highlighting the various petitions they submitted with the state government on them over time.
Complaining their long-pending demands for facilities like proper roads, a crematorium and water tanks placed with the authorities were not heeded to, the residents of Melatheru in the village announced boycott of the parliamentary election held in April this year. Mentioning that they remain unmet even after all these months, the residents intensified their protest with the erection of the banner on Friday morning.
Durai Jayabharathi, a resident said, “Our repeated pleas have been ignored by the authorities, unmindful of the urgency.” We hope Collector M Aruna will at least now take action on our long-pending demands, Jayabharathi said.
On the issues they face, G Palanivel, another resident, said, “The absence of paved roads makes transportation difficult, particularly during the monsoon when mud and floods reduce pathways into dangerous routes.”
While residents also complain of water scarcity for years, primarily due to the absence of an overhead tank (OHT) catering to their needs, the district collector during her visit assured the construction of one.
A block-level also told TNIE that steps are being taken towards construction of the OHT. “Once its construction is complete the water issue will be resolved,” the official added.
Residents, however, complain that the OHT is being set up in the side of the village that already has one. This won’t resolve our supply issues, they said, adding that what will is the construction of separate tanks.
A Vignesh, a farmer resident, mentioned the lack of a burial ground in the village forcing them to bury their dead in a parcel of poromboke land.
“Carrying our dead through swampy fields to bury them is a heartbreaking reality,” he added.
While mentioning the collector during her visit having promised a common crematorium for them, P Karnan, another resident, said, “In order to avoid conflicts we, however, urge a proper road to the existing space and well-built infrastructure there to bury our dead.”
To this, the block-level village official said, “We have taken cognisance of their issues. We will send a proposal soon to the government seeking funds. Once they arrive, the issues will be resolved.”
Courtesy : TNIE
Bihar CASTE DALIT NEWS NEWS STATE
Nawada violence: Dalit families forced to live in tents, government food and police guns but fear continues
Nawada. Even today, the situation has not returned to normal after the heartbreaking incident that took place 11 days ago in the Dalit colony. Security forces are still deployed in the colony, and tension prevails everywhere. However, relief and rehabilitation work is going on at the administrative level. When the Local 18 team reached the spot, we were stopped by the security personnel deployed there and told that permission of the District Magistrate is necessary for shooting. After waiting for a few hours, we were told that there is no such order that prohibits the media, after which we got permission to go there.
REPORTED BY :Gaurav Jha
EDITED BY :Nikhil Verma
Current situation of the colony
After the incident, the situation in the colony has now become clean to a great extent. Arrangements have been made for people to live by putting up tarpaulins and tents. The administration has given Rs 1 lakh 39 thousand 250 as compensation to each family. The local people are still not able to get out of the memories of that horrific night. During the incident, a school, church and many houses of the colony were completely burnt..
The pain of the local people
In our conversation, the local people told that after the incident they are still scared and hesitate to go out of the house. Some people said that they do not go out alone now and go out only after informing the police. Businesses have also been badly affected. The local administration has provided two meals a day and breakfast in the morning as relief, which includes simple things like khichdi.
Preparation of the administration
The administration has provided electricity, water, washrooms and ambulance facilities in the colony. Compensation has also been given to the affected families. But the question arises that how long will this help continue and will it provide long-term relief to the people of the colony?
Tension between the administration and the media
The administration expressed displeasure with the media and said that this matter is being blown out of proportion, due to which their duty is getting affected. However, the media believes that it is doing its work and the administration should fulfill its responsibility.
The residents of the basti are still trying to recover from the horror of that night, and the question is how long will this government support continue and when will they have a chance to return to normality.
Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit literary icon B Vijaya Bharathi passes away in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Renowned Dalit Telugu author B. Vijaya Bharathi, who was the first woman to translate the life history of Jyotirao Phule into Telugu and a prominent critic known for her analytical commentaries on Hindu Puranas and epics, passed away on Saturday at 6 AM in a city hospital.
She was 84 years old and had been suffering from chronic health issues.
- Vijaya Bharathi was born to the celebrated poet Boyi Bheemanna and Nagaratnamma in Rajolu, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
She was also the wife of the late human rights lawyer Boja Taraka. Her family includes her daughter, Dr. Mahita, who is a professor at Osmania Medical College, and her son Rahul Boja, who serves as the Principal Secretary in the Telangana Irrigation Department.
Vijaya Bharathi completed her education in various institutions, including her S.S.C. in Rajolu, intermediate studies at Pithapuram Prabhu College in Kakinada, and a degree from Koti Women’s College. She earned her MA in Telugu from Osmania University and conducted research on “Social Conditions of South Indian Andhra Literature.”
Her career spanned several roles, including translator for the Information and Public Relations department and lecturer at Nizamabad Women’s College, where she served as Vice Principal from 1965 to 1978. She also held positions as a research officer and deputy director at the Telugu Academy, retiring as the in-charge director in 1999.
- Vijaya Bharathi completed her postgraduate studies at Osmania University College for Women in Koti.
First Dalit woman to earn PhD in Literature from OU
She made history as the first Dalit woman to earn a Ph.D. in Literature from Osmania University.
Her literary contributions include works focused on Baba Saheb Ambedkar, analyses of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, a translated edition of Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule’s writings (1983), and translated and edited collections of four volumes of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s speeches and writings.
In accordance with her wishes, her body will be donated to Osmania Medical College.
Revanth, KCR issue condolences
Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy expressed his condolences, highlighting Vijaya Bharathi’s contributions to literature and her service as deputy director of the Telugu Academy.
Former chief minister KCR also conveyed his sorrow over her passing.
Courtesy : TSD
BJP-ruled states account for highest Dalit violence cases, UP on top, MP records highest reported crimes against STs
Uttar Pradesh with 12,287 reported cases, followed by Rajasthan with 8,651 and Madhya Pradesh with 7,732 cases of atrocities against Dalits in year 2022 show a disturbing trend, a report released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reveals; Rajasthan was till December 2023 ruled by Ashok Gehlot led Congress
Aman Khan
States ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) top in high number of cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, (PoA Act) in the year 2022. A union government report published by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reveals that Uttar Pradesh, reported a staggering 12,287 cases accounting for 23.78% of the total 51,656 cases registered under the PoA Act (97.7 % atrocity cases against Dalits). Following this, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are positioned on top in registration of cases of atrocities against Dalits. The report’s findings are a grim reminder of India’s ongoing struggle with caste-based violence and discrimination against marginalised communities.
Meanwhile, the state of Madhya Pradesh is at the top, with 2979 cases of atrocities/violence against STs, Rajasthan being the second highest with 2498 and Odisha only accounts for 773 cases – in registration of cases of offences of atrocities against the scheduled tribe community.
The union ministry report also reveals that, 52,866 cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9,725 cases of Scheduled Tribes (STs) were registered in year 2022 under the PoA Act. The majority of these cases, a staggering 97.7%, were recorded in just 13 states, with BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh topping the list. In 2022, out of 51,656 cases registered under the PoA Act, Uttar Pradesh reported 12,287 cases accounting for 23.78% of the total 97.7 % cases of atrocities against Dalits in 2022 was reported in 13 states. Following this, Rajasthan reported second highest atrocities cases of Dalits with 8,651 cases (16.75%), while Madhya Pradesh had 7,732 cases, making up 14.97%. Other states with a significant number of cases include Bihar with 6509, Odisha with 2902 cases and Maharashtra with 2276 cases.
Moreover, as the table above shows thirteen States, cumulatively accounting for 97.7% (51656) of the total cases (52866) relating to offences of atrocities against members of SCs, registered under the PoA Act in conjunction with the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (repealed), during the year 2022. The report also provides the figures pertaining to the atrocities against the STs. The 13 states directly account for 98.91% (9627) of the total 9735 cases.
India’s disturbing trend of caste-based violence continues to escalate, with Uttar Pradesh topping the list of atrocities against Dalits and marginalised communities. According to the National Crime Record Bureau’s 2022 data, (same period as the ministry’s report) the state reported a staggering 15,368 cases, marking a 16% increase from 2021’s 13,146 cases. Rajasthan follows closely, ranking second with 8,752 registered cases of anti-Dalit violence. Madhya Pradesh retains its third position, accounting for 7,733 cases of atrocities against Dalits.
NCRB 2022 report shows 57,582 cases of Dalit Violence in 2022
The National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) ‘Crime in India’ annual report for the year 2022 also highlighted that the total number of 57,582 cases were registered for committing crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs), an increase of 13.1% over 2021 (50,900 cases). The crime rate registered shown an increase from 25.3% in 2021 to 28.6% in 2022. In crime head-wise cases, highest number of cases (18,428, 32.0%) were registered under simple hurt followed by cases under Criminal Intimidation with 9.2% (5,274 cases) and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act with 8.2% (4,703 cases).
Similarly, a total of 10,064 cases were registered for committing crime against Scheduled Tribes (STs), showing an increase of 14.3% over 2021 (8,802 cases). Anti-Dalit crime rate registered increased from 8.4% in 2021 to 9.6% in 2022. The NCRB figures further elaborated that in Crime head-wise cases, highest number of cases (2,826 cases, 28.1%) were registered under simple hurt (2,826 cases) followed by rape with 13.4% (1,347 cases) and assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty with 10.2% (1,022 cases).
The report highlighted that Uttar Pradesh (15,368), Rajasthan (8,752), Madhya Pradesh (7,733), and Bihar (6,509) reported the highest number of crimes against SCs. In UP, the number of crimes against SCs went up from 13146 in 2021 to 15368 in 2022 – an increase of 16%. The figure was 12,714 in 2020.
BJP-ruled UP tops in cases of Dalit atrocities
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, grapples with an alarming rise in Dalit atrocities. Uttar Pradesh ruled by the BJP for two terms under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has earned the unfortunate distinction of topping the list of states with the highest number of registered cases of atrocities against Dalits. Registration of 12,287 Dalits atrocities cases, consisting 23.78% of the total cases reported nationwide in year 2022.
Investigation done by police during 2022 in PoA cases
As the report states, 69,597 cases related to SCs and 12,417 of STs were brought forward by the Police. In which chargesheet had been filed in 49,852 cases and 77 cases transferred to another State/Agency. At investigation stage, 65 cases have been quashed/stayed by the court and Final Report has been filed in 12,113 due to reason of false case, mistake of fact/law, insufficient evidence etc.
However, at the end of 2022, 17,166 cases of SCs and 2,702 ST cases pending with the police, only 2 cases investigated u/s 157(1)(b) of CrPC during the year 2022. In these cases, it is seen that 60.38% cases relating to Scheduled Castes were charge sheeted in courts during 2022, in 14.78% SCs cases final report submitted (such as false, mistake of fact/law, true but insufficient evidence) during the 2022. Similarly, 63.38% cases related to SCs were charge sheeted during the year, with 14.71% of cases having final reports submitted, during the year 2022.
Notably, the disturbing trend in the report also revealed that the conviction rate under the Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act plummeted to 32.4% in 2022, a significant drop from 39.2% in 2020.
This downward spiral raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and judicial cognizance in protecting Dalits from caste-based violence despite stringent laws. Further compounding the issue is the scarcity of special courts designated to handle these cases. Out of 498 districts across 14 states, only 194 have established these crucial courts, hindering swift justice for victims, according to report.
Report flags lack of Exclusive Special Courts in India
As section 14 of the PoA Act, empowered the state government to establish Exclusive Special Court for one or more district for dealing with the atrocity and violence cases of scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for the purpose of providing a speedy trial in such cases, the number of Exclusive Special Courts are not adequate in India as out of 498 total districts across the country only 194 special courts have been established. The number of special courts in the country are not even half of the total districts within the country.
This shortfall created a significant obstacle in delivering justice to victims of caste-based violence and discrimination. As Exclusive Special Courts have powers to take direct cognizance of offences under the Act, the inadequacy of Exclusive Special Courts hampered the proper implementation of the PoA Act and led to delays and ineffectiveness in anti-Dalit violence cases. The report stressed that it is the duty of the State Government to establish adequate number of Courts to ensure that cases under the PoA Act are disposed of within a period of two months, as far as possible.
Special Police Stations for SCs and STs Complaints set up by five states only
As per the report, Special Police Stations for registration of complaints of offences against members of the SCs and STs have been set up in five States includes Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. In Bihar’s 38 districts, 40 Special Police Station has been established, in Chhattisgarh’s 28 districts, 27 Special Police Station, 24 in Jharkhand’s 24 districts, 3 in Kerala’s 14 districts and, 51 in Madhya Pradesh’s 52 districts. Despite almost equal establishment of Special Police Station in MP, the state positioned on third in accounting of atrocity cases against Dalits and the marginalised.
Dalit Atrocities soar in UP, 49,613 cases reported from 2018-2021
In March 2023, the Indian government informed Parliament that a staggering number of over 1.9 lakh cases of crimes against Dalits were recorded during the four-year period from 2018. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Uttar Pradesh alone has reported 49,613 cases of total atrocities and attacks on Dalits (11,924 in 2018, 11,829 in 2019, 12,714 in 2020, and 13,146 in 2021). Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Ajay Kumar Mishra, shared this information in response to a question posed by BSP MP Girish Chandra, who inquired about mechanisms for monitoring such incidents.
NCRB data shows 57,582 cases of Dalit Violence in 2022
The National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) ‘Crime in India’ report for the year 2022 also revealed that a total of 57,582 cases were registered for committing a crime against Scheduled Castes (SCs), an increase of 13.1% from 2021 (50,900 cases). The crime rate registered an increase from 25.3% in 2021 to 28.6% in 2022. The report highlighted that Uttar Pradesh (15,368), Rajasthan (8,752), Madhya Pradesh (7,733), and Bihar (6,509) reported the highest number of crimes against SCs. In UP, the number of crimes against SCs went up from 13146 in 2021 to 15368 in 2022 – an increase of 16%. The figure was 12,714 in 2020.
Most recent shocking instances of anti-Dalit violence in UP, Rajasthan and MP
Sabrang India and CJP have been diligently tracking the alarming rise of hate crimes against Dalits and other marginalised communities in India. The numerous incidents include violence, discrimination, and social exclusion of Dalits have been reported, highlighting the devastating reality of Dalit survival in the country.
Uttar Pradesh
BJP’s government in Uttar Pradesh has faced many severe criticisms for its inability to prevent Dalit violence in the state, despite being in power for two consecutive terms. The recent surge in anti-Dalit attacks has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of the Dalit community in the state. As the whole country witnessed the horrible tragic incidents of Hathras and Lakhimpur Kheri in year 2020, representing a distressing chapter in India’s ongoing struggle with anti-Dalits crimes and caste discrimination in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The tragic incident of Lakhimpur Kheri where two Dalit minor sisters were found hanging from a tree in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur district. The family alleged abduction, rape, and murder, later post-mortem reports confirmed that the Dalit sisters were raped before being murder. Similarly, the Hathras incident of rape, murder, and alleged systemic failures, has revealed the systematic exclusion of Social Justice against the victims belonged to Dalits and marginalised communities, especially Dalit women.
CJP’s recent report on Dalit atrocities in the state of Uttar Pradesh may be read here
On August 18, 2024, in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar, a 21-year-old gang-rape survivor ended her life after UP Police denied to lodge an FIR against three men for the crime and coerced her father into misreporting the complaint. Father of the victim revealed that his daughter had gone missing from their home on the evening of August 16. The father immediately went to the local police outpost to file an FIR but the Police refused to lodge an FIR and forced him to change the complaint. On August 18, the victim’s younger sister discovered her hanging in her room. The devastated father reported to police that his daughter had felt humiliated and abandoned due to the authorities lack of response.
On October 5, 2022, in Ambedkar Nagar, a student hung herself from the ceiling of her room. The father of the victim has reportedly stated that she had gone into “depression” after allegedly being kidnapped and gang-raped by two youth when she was on her way to school in the district’s Malipur area.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan reported the second highest number of Dalit atrocities nationwide, with 8,651 cases reported in 2022. The state’s disturbing trend of violence and discrimination against Dalits persists, despite laws aimed at protection. Brutal incidents, including killings, rapes, and social boycott highlight the need for urgent action and accountability.
On January 26, 2024, a 17 year old tenth-grade student, was busy with creating reels at Ajmer’s Ana Sagar Chaupaati, a popular place for tourists and visitors, when he was attacked. A group of young men approached him and demanded he stop taking videos. Following which, the men who have been identified as Pushpendra, Rohit, and Gokul, assaulted the boy brutally. They used sticks and forced him to kneel down, and made him utter the word “papa.” The torment did not end there; one of the perpetrators even urinated on the young victim and reportedly even forced him to drink liquor.
In Rajasthan’s Alwar, an eight-year-old Dalit boy was reportedly assaulted for touching a water bucket near a hand pump in a village in Rajasthan’s Alwar district. As per a report by the Indian Express, the police have stated that the incident occurred on the morning of March 30, 2024 when the boy, a fourth-grade student at the village’s government school, went to drink water from the hand pump on school grounds. As per the complaint, a man from a higher caste, who was filling the bucket with water at the Time, attacked the boy when he touched the bucket. The man refused to apologise and even shouted at the boy’s family, subjecting them to casteist abuse. A police complaint has been lodged in Ramgarh police station by the parents.
Another incident in Rajasthan’s Karauli district, in what seems to be a shocking incident, a magistrate reportedly asked a Dalit gang rape survivor to undress to inspect her injuries. The magistrate has been booked after the survivor lodged a complaint on March 30, 2024 accusing the magistrate of requesting this during a court session in Hindaun. The incident is being treated as an instance of outraging modesty, and charges have been filed under section 345 of the IPC and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh reported the third highest number of Dalit atrocities nationwide was also faced criticism recently for curtailing welfare funds of the SC/STs and diverting the SC/ST welfare fund for the welfare of cows, museums and religious sites. As per a document reviewed by the HT, ?252 crore has been allotted to cow welfare (Gau Samvardhan and Pashi Samvardhan), a total of ?95.76 crore has been allocated from the SC/ST sub-plan. Madhya Pradesh’s decision to divert ?95.76 crore from the SC/ST welfare fund to support cow welfare, museums, and religious sites was a shocking betrayal against marginalised communities. This move not only undermines the government’s duty to ensure social justice but also perpetuates the systemic oppression of Dalits. The cow welfare fund has increased from about ?90 crore in the last year. Madhya Pradesh was the second state after Karnataka to divert funds from the SC/ST sub-plan for other schemes. Karnataka decided to take ?14,000 crore from the sub-plan for funding its welfare scheme.
A Dalit youth in Mainpuri, while working on his own land, was attacked by a group of men. The authorities have registered a case involving assault and harassment against the Dalit community under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. As per reports, the police are now searching for the culprits who are currently absconding. The police have filed a complaint against one Munshi Khan and his associates.
In Morena, Madhya Pradesh, a Dalit sarpanch was reportedly tied to a tree and beaten. After the violence, the man was forced to flee his native village. The sarpanch of Koutharkalan panchayat has reportedly filed a complaint at the Porsa police station on Thursday. He had reportedly faced harassment over the past two years. The attackers had pressured him to leave his position and hand over his digital account details. However, after he refused to follow their demands, the goons allegedly took him to the outskirts of Koutharkalan, tied him to a tree, and brutally thrashed him, covered in a report by CJP.
However, before 2022, India registered 1,89,945 cases of crimes against the Dalit community during the four-year span (42,793 in 2018, 45,961 in 2019, 50,291 in 2020, and 50,900 in 2021). Out of all these cases, chargesheets were filed in 1,50,454 of these cases which resulted in only 27,754 convictions. These are records of only reported crimes having taken place, there is no way to account for cases that never reached law enforcement officers.
What is the Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989?
While acknowledging the deep-rooted caste system and its role in perpetuating atrocities, the Parliament of India enacted the scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules 1995 that come into force with effect from January 30, 1990. This special legislation enacted with aims to preventing commission of offences by persons other than Scheduled Castes and Schedules Tribes against members of SCs and STs and also provide for Special Courts for trial of such offences and for relief and rehabilitation of the victims of such offences. The PoA Act is extended to whole of India.
Ineffective implementation of PoA act still a challenge for Social Justice
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, remains ineffectively implemented, undermining social justice and defying Supreme Court directives. Despite landmark judgments and established special courts, rising atrocities and low conviction rates expose systemic apathy, compromising protection for marginalised communities.
Importantly, the Supreme Court of India in a landmark judgement of National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors. (2017) 2 SCC 432, where the bench led by then CJI T.S. Thakur and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and L. Nageswara Rao, directed the strict implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. This pivotal decision affirmed the findings of the Justice K. Punnaiah Commission (appointed by the Andhra Pradesh Govt in April, 2003 to inquire into the crimes suffered by SCs and STs) and the 6th Report of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
In the National Human Rights Commission’s ‘Open House Discussion’ on “Prevention of Atrocities and other forms of Discrimination against SC/ST Community: Challenges, Protection and Way Forward” held on June 23, 2023, the Director, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment also expressed its concern and pointed out that a predominant rise in cases can be seen after the amendments that widened the gambit of the Act when they were introduced. This requires strengthening of the administrative regime, especially the institutional mechanisms or the Police Protection Cells as mandated under the PoA Act, which is being looked after by the MoSJ&E. He further added that as of now, a total of 176 executive special courts have been constituted across the country in order to make the system more approachable for the victims.
Courtesy : Sabrang India.
Reject anti-reservation, anti-Dalit parties: Mayawati
Asking people to elect the INLD- BSP alliance, BSP supremo Mayawati on Friday charged the Congress and the BJP with trying to end the reservation and following policies that were anti-Dalit and anti-poor. Seeking a caste-based census, she said a political change was needed to continue the reservation and an end the exploitation and atrocities on the poor.
Article_Author Bijendra Ahlawat
Speaking at a rally in Prithla, Mayawati focused her speech on the issue of reservation and the exploitation of the SCs, backward classes and the poor. She said she had been concerned about the fate of reservation after the recent judgement of the Supreme Court in which the reservation had become “ineffective” and none of the main parties came forward for a Bill in Parliament to counter it.
Accusing both the BJP and the Congress she said: “Only 5-6 per cent of the people belonging to SC/ST have benefited to date. The majority have still been a victim of exploitary and anti-Dalit policies of the respective governments.
She announced that Abhay Chautala would be the CM if alliance came to power and said he would have two Deputy CMs of whom one will be from the SC category. She said the BSP did not announce any election manifesto as it believed in turning the promises into a reality.
Courtesy : The Tribune
“5000-Year-Old Upper Caste Stubbornness Is Our Enemy; Unite and Fight Back!” – Dalit Woman Protesting Outside Karnataka Congress Office Calls for Community Solidarity.
“5000-Year-Old Upper Caste Stubbornness Is Our Enemy; Unite and Fight Back!” – Dalit Woman Protesting Outside Karnataka Congress Office Calls for Community Solidarity.
According to Chetana, despite numerous appeals for help to the police, courts, bureaucrats, and politicians, her pleas have been ignored due to the deep-rooted influence these goondas have within every system.
Bengaluru- Chetana Kumari P, a Dalit woman from Bangalore, has been protesting in front of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office on Queen’s Road, for the past 22 days, demanding justice against harassment and abuse.
Chetana claims she and her children have been repeatedly targeted by members of the “upper caste” Gowda community, whom she describes as goondas with a history of criminal influence and strong ties to local political power.
According to Chetana, despite numerous appeals for help to the police, courts, bureaucrats, and politicians, her pleas have been ignored due to the deep-rooted influence these goondas have within every system.
She specifically accuses Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D. K. Shivakumar, of shielding his community members involved in her harassment and standing against her cause. Chetana alleges that these individuals have past associations with Kothwal Ramchandra, a notorious don of Bangalore, and that Shivakumar was linked to the same criminal network during that period. “If anything happens to me or my children, D. K. Shivakumar is 100% responsible,” she said, voicing her fears of escalating threats.
Chetana refuses to back down, asserting her rights and vowing not to relinquish her land despite the intimidation she faces. “I may be a Dalit, but I am not dumb. I know my rights, and I will not be silenced,” she declared. She emphasized that it’s time to bring the Constitution to life and not just see it as mere words used by powerful individuals to escape accountability.
Every day, sitting outside the KPCC office, Chetana Kumari records motivational videos, urging the government to deliver justice while inspiring her community to fight for themselves and make equality a reality.
Chetana also asserts that society imposes unrealistic expectations on individuals, stating, “I don’t care about a society that views my daily sit-in on the road demanding rights as indecent. I must fix my own problems; no one else will do it for me. Why do educated people remain silent against harassment? We may be beaten or even killed, but we must speak up.”
Chetana has called on the Dalit community to unite, fight, and assert their rights, urging them to seize the current political climate as an opportunity. “This is the right time to leave aside our differences and demand our rights. We must fight for ourselves; no one else will fix our problems,” she said passionately. Drawing inspiration from historical figures like Alexander and Rosa Parker, Chetana stressed that just as other communities have fought for their freedom, Dalits, too, must rise against their oppressors.
She cited the rebellion of scheduled castes and tribes against British rule, when they stopped trains carrying away Indian goods, as a pivotal moment that inspired courage among all oppressed classes in India. “It was the Dalits who showed the way, who stood up against colonial power. Now, it is time we do the same against caste-based oppression,” she asserted.
Turning philosophical, Chetana spoke about the universal desire for freedom, highlighting that after the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter are met, every human being seeks to live free of bondage. She challenge the Dalit community, asking, “When will we fight for our freedom?”
Chetana called attention to the current socio-political environment in India, marked by elections and shifting power dynamics. She believes this is the moment for the Dalit community to set aside internal divisions for the future of their children and grandchildren. “If we don’t act now, they will face the same humiliation and injustice that we are enduring today,” she warned.
Reflecting on the historical struggles against deep-seated caste discrimination, she acknowledged that overcoming a 5,000-year-old mentality will not be easy. “Our enemy is stubborn, and to fight it, we must be doubly stubborn,” Chetana said, resolutely continuing her dharna.
Courtesy: The Mooknayak
Targeted for Being Dalit: VHP Leader Stands in Support of Rajasthan Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa
Controversy Surrounding Rajasthan Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa and VHP’s Support Amid Opposition Attacks
Rajasthan Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa finds himself at the center of a growing political controversy after a social media reel featuring his son went viral. The reel, which showed Bairwa's son Ashu and Congress leader Pushpendra Bhardwaj's son, sparked a heated debate, with opposition parties targeting the Deputy CM. As a result, Premchand Bairwa had to issue clarifications twice, while political organizations like the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) have now rallied in his support.
Opposition’s Targeting of Premchand Bairwa
Premchand Bairwa, Rajasthan’s first Dalit Deputy CM, has been under fire since the viral video surfaced. The controversy revolves around the fact that Ashu Bairwa, accompanied by a police escort vehicle, featured in the video. Given his father’s position, Ashu receives police protection, which led to criticism from opposition parties accusing the Deputy CM of misusing government resources for personal purposes.
However, supporters of Premchand Bairwa argue that the opposition’s attacks stem from their discomfort with the Deputy CM’s achievements. Bairwa, who rose from humble beginnings, has been instrumental in several developmental projects in Rajasthan, and his supporters believe that his Dalit identity makes him an easy target for political opponents. They argue that opposition parties are deliberately attempting to tarnish his image by focusing on trivial matters.
VHP’s Support for Premchand Bairwa
The controversy has now drawn the attention of organizations outside Rajasthan, with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) stepping in to defend Bairwa. Santosh Sharma, the administrative head of VHP's Malwa region, expressed strong support for the Deputy CM, calling the opposition’s attacks a conspiracy. Sharma emphasized that Premchand Bairwa is the first Dalit leader to hold such a significant position in Rajasthan, a historic move led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.
Sharma further stated that Bairwa’s political opponents are trying to remove him from his position due to the positive impact of his work in the state. According to VHP, instead of recognizing his contributions, opposition parties are plotting against him by repeatedly bringing up unnecessary issues.
Premchand Bairwa’s Clarifications
In response to the controversy, Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa has issued two clarifications. Initially, he defended his son, stating that Ashu had not violated any traffic rules, and questioned why his son’s friendship with a wealthier classmate should be a matter of concern. Bairwa explained that Ashu, coming from a modest background, had the opportunity to experience luxury, and there was nothing wrong with that.
In his second statement, Bairwa expressed regret over the incident and mentioned that he had advised his son to avoid such actions in the future, considering he is still a minor.
- Odisha
- Odisha govt launches health screening of students in Kandhamal district
Odisha govt launches health screening of students in Kandhamal district
The Kandhamal district administration in Odisha has launched a comprehensive health screening drive for around 33,000 students staying in government-run hostels. The initiative, which began on Thursday, focuses on malaria, anaemia and sickle cell tests for students from Class I to XII.
Credit: IANSOdisha govt launches health screening of students in Kandhamal district
The Kandhamal district administration of Odisha has launched the health screening for all school students who stay in hostels run by the government, officials said on Saturday.
The drive was launched on Thursday and would continue till November 6 to screen around 33,000 borders of 389 hostels managed by the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe development and school and mass education departments.
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The Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement (BDERM), in association with Nagorik Uddyog, held a rally in Dhaka today (28 September) demanding an end to all existing discrimination against Dalits and backward communities.
BDERM President Uttam Kumar Bhakta presided over the rally organised in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh this morning.
Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal Assistant General Secretary Khalekuzzaman Lipon, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Central Committee Member Luna Noor, Dhaka University Professor Zobaida Nasreen Kona, Nagorik Uddyog Chief Executive Zakir Hossain, Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti leader Dipayan Khisa and Dalit Women's Forum general secretary Moni Rani Das spoke at the rally among others.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channelThe speakers said about 75 lakh Dalit people in Bangladesh are constantly subjected to various types of discrimination in their daily lives and workplaces.
Although the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh mentions the equal rights of all citizens regardless of race, religion, caste, and gender, discrimination still exists against various small ethnic groups in the country, they said.
The rally demanded that the 'Anti-Discrimination Bill-2022' be amended and passed immediately to ensure the rights of Dalits and backward communities.
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