03.10.24.Untouchables News.....अछूत समाचार.தீண்ட தகாதவர் செய்திகள்.by Team Sivaji.9444917060.
Dalit Student’s IIT Dream Revived by SC, Empowered by UP Government: A Look at Atul Kumar’s Journey from Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained
In a quiet corner of Uttar Pradesh, the village of Titora became the unlikely stage for a story that has now captured the attention of the nation. Atul Kumar, an 18-year-old Dalit student from a financially strained family, achieved the dream that many students across India strive for — cracking the prestigious IIT JEE-Advanced examination. His hard work earned him a seat in the Electronics Engineering branch at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. However, this triumph soon turned into heartbreak. Due to financial constraints and a technical glitch, Atul missed the deadline to pay the acceptance fee of Rs 17,500, jeopardising his chance at a better future.
On June 24, after his parents had painstakingly gathered the required amount, Atul attempted to complete the payment process on the admission portal. However, the portal closed before he could submit his details.
His family’s financial situation made this setback all the more painful. Rajendra Kumar, Atul’s father, works as a daily wage labourer in a cloth factory in Meerut, earning a mere Rs 450 per day. Atul’s mother, Rajesh Devi, supplements their income by working in the fields and making cots. Despite these hardships, the family has always prioritised education, with Atul’s older brothers achieving remarkable academic success. One of his brothers completed his MTech from NIT Hamirpur, while another graduated with a BTech from IIT-Kharagpur.
A Glimmer of Hope from the Supreme CourtAlongside efforts to resolve the issue with IIT Madras, Atul turned to the Madras High Court for legal assistance, which recommended that he approach the Supreme Court for relief.
The village of Titora was abuzz with conversation and support for Atul, who was determined to reclaim his seat at IIT. After his case reached the Supreme Court, where Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, moved by Atul’s plight, assured him that the court would help him as much as possible. “We will help you as far as possible,” the CJI said, while the court sought responses from the Joint Seat Allocation Authority and IIT-Madras, where Atul had taken his exams.
The SC invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to grant Atul admission to IIT Dhanbad. Atul, who ranked 1,455 in the JEE (Advanced) 2024 exam within his category, had been offered a seat in the Electrical Engineering programme for the four-year Bachelor of Technology course. This was his second and final chance at securing admission.
Back in Titora, the Supreme Court’s intervention offered a glimmer of hope. The local community rallied behind Atul and his family. One neighbour, who lent Rs 10,000 to help, expressed the village’s collective belief in Atul’s future. A TNN report quotes neighbour Pawan Kumar saying, “Despite their financial struggles, education has always been their priority, and we are sure Atul and his brother will go on to emulate their older siblings.”
Uttar Pradesh Government Steps In
As things finally seemed to be falling into place, the Uttar Pradesh government took a step that came as a huge relief to the family, struggling to make ends meet, yet unwavering in their commitment to education. In a statement released on Wednesday, the state government announced that it would provide financial assistance to Atul. The Social Welfare Department would bear the entire cost of his education at IIT Dhanbad through a scholarship.
“Under the state’s scholarship scheme, the Social Welfare Department will bear the entire fee of IIT through scholarship so that Atul’s education can be ensured,” read the official statement. This decision came after the matter reached the attention of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who immediately instructed officials to ensure all possible assistance for the student.
Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun personally contacted Atul’s family, assuring them that the state government would cover the fees for his entire four-year programme at IIT. “The state government has also contacted IIT Dhanbad and taken necessary steps to complete the admission process,” said the official statement.
A Family’s Resilience Amidst Adversity
For Atul, the government’s intervention is a lifeline. Reflecting on the challenges his family has faced, Atul said in a TNN interaction, “Only we know what we’ve gone through. I need to do this for my parents. And I’m waiting to pay off Rs 3 lakh, which my father took as a loan to help us study.” His father has remained hopeful despite their financial burdens, saying, “Everything I earn goes towards my sons’ education. For six years now, we’ve been barely managing, but I believe better days will come.”
Atul’s teacher, Rajkumar Motla also reflected on his student’s perseverance. He has been quoted by TNN saying, “His story is proof that brilliance exists everywhere, even in the poorest corners of society. We’re all praying for him. Just see, the gods will listen.”
A New Beginning
Thanks to the intervention of the Supreme Court and the Uttar Pradesh government, Atul is set to begin his journey at IIT Dhanbad. His story stands as a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the importance of education as a tool for social upliftment. For Atul, the road ahead is still challenging, but with the support of his family, village, and now the state, his future looks much brighter.
(With inputs for TNN and PTI)
Courtesy : TOI
DALIT NEWS Manual Scavenging OBC
Congress Renews Call for Caste Census After Survey Exposes Disparities in Sewer and Septic Tank Workforce
The survey, which profiled over 38,000 workers from 29 states and union territories, found that 68.9% of these laborers belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC), 14.7% to Other Backward Classes (OBC), and 8.3% to Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Geetha Sunil Pillai
New Delhi- In light of a recent government survey that reveals a staggering 92% of sewer and septic tank workers in India belong to marginalized communities, the Congress party has renewed its call for a national caste census. The data, collected under the government’s NAMASTE Programme, has sparked widespread political reactions, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge intensifying the demand on social media. He urged the government to focus on urgent issues like the Manipur crisis, the national census, and specifically, the caste census.
The survey, which profiled over 38,000 workers from 29 states and union territories, found that 68.9% of these laborers belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC), 14.7% to Other Backward Classes (OBC), and 8.3% to Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only 8% of workers came from the general category, underscoring the stark over-representation of marginalized communities in hazardous sanitation work.
Congress leader Kharge highlighted this disproportionate participation of marginalized groups in a social media post, where he took aim at Home Minister Amit Shah and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “A survey conducted by your own government says that 92% of the workers cleaning urban sewers and septic tanks come from SC, ST, OBC categories,” Kharge wrote, emphasizing the urgent need for a caste census. He further argued that the BJP’s resistance to the caste census stems from fears that such data would expose the socioeconomic conditions of SC, ST, OBC, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and how government schemes should be tailored to address their specific needs.
The NAMASTE Programme, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to mechanize sewer maintenance and eliminate the dangerous practice of manual scavenging. The data from this survey has amplified the Congress party’s long-standing demand for a comprehensive caste-based census. The party asserts that the census is essential to ensuring equitable participation in government schemes for marginalized communities.
In its social media posts, the Congress declared its determination to carry out a caste census, pledging, “We will get it done, at all costs.” The party argues that a caste census will reveal the true socio-economic status of India’s marginalized groups and ensure that government policies are designed to address their specific challenges, including those related to sanitation and manual labor.
The call for caste census comes amid broader discussions on social justice, with Congress reiterating its commitment to representing the interests of 90% of India’s population, who belong to the SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
The Tamil Nadu Village that Denies Dalits Access to Common Road for Funeral Processions
Residents reported that Dalits were not allowed to stand under the shade of trees near small shops run by caste Hindus while waiting for government buses. Instead, they were asked to wait in the sun.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu – Around 45 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai, in Mothakkal village, on Monday, a section of caste Hindus objected to the funeral procession of a Dalit woman. The Dalit community had decided to take the body through the village’s main road due to the poor condition of their traditional route.
According to information, 70-year-old S. Kiliambal passed away at her daughter’s house in the Dalit colony on Sunday evening due to age-related illnesses. Traditionally, caste Hindus and Dalits have been using separate routes for funeral processions. The Dalit burial ground is located on the outskirts of the village, and to reach it, they must go through a muddy path.
“The usual path that Dalits use had become even worse with overgrown bushes and uneven surfaces. Authorities have not repaired it for many years. So, we decided to take the funeral procession on the route used by caste Hindus”, a member of the Bahujan community told local media. It is also reported that the path had been encroached upon by some individuals, making it difficult to use.
The police stated that the Dalits had decided to hold the funeral procession on the village’s main road around 4 p.m., but caste Hindus objected to it. Upon receiving information from panchayat officials, a police team rushed to the village to prevent any untoward incidents.
Led by R. Mandakini, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) of Tiruvannamalai, a revenue team organized peace talks between the caste Hindus and Dalits in the village. After nearly five hours of discussions, the Dalits agreed to use their traditional route. The path used by Dalits was leveled, and the woman’s funeral was conducted on Monday night.
Mothakkal is a border village connecting Tiruvannamalai to Dharmapuri district. It falls under the Thandrampattu Panchayat Union. Most caste Hindus in the village are landlords, and Dalits have been working as agricultural laborers on their lands for years.
CPI(M) worker R. Annamalai told the media, “Caste-based discrimination is common in this village. In the past, Dalits were not allowed to get haircuts at salons visited by caste Hindus. The village has also witnessed the two-tumbler system (where different cups are used for Dalits and caste Hindus).”
Following this incident, district administration and police officials will organize a series of peace talks between the two communities to end caste-based discrimination. Residents reported that Dalits were not allowed to stand under the shade of trees near small shops run by caste Hindus while waiting for government buses. Instead, they were asked to wait in the sun.
Collector D. Bhaskara Pandian said that the issue of caste discrimination in the village would be investigated.
Dalit rights activist and writer Shalin Maria Lawrence mentioned that over 500 eligible voters from the Adi Dravidar community in Mothakkal village had warned to boycott the Lok Sabha elections. The Dalit community has been struggling for years due to a lack of basic facilities and caste-based discrimination.
The community does not have access to a proper road to reach the burial ground. The community has also faced discrimination from many caste Hindus and the panchayat president.
A villager said, “For years, we have been forced to use a separate path to reach the burial ground, and the caste Hindus of our village do not allow us to pass through, making us fearful.”
To express their collective dissatisfaction, the villagers had hoisted black flags at the village entrance and in front of nearly 200 houses before the Lok Sabha elections. The villagers had also submitted a petition to the district collector detailing their demands and grievances.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
Accused of stalking woman, Dalit man in MP paraded, assaulted by upper-caste Hindu mob
A Dalit man accused of stalking a woman was stripped and whipped publicly by upper-caste Hindu men and women in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district last week.
The incident, which took place in Bhaisodamandi village, came to public attention after a video went viral.
In the video, the victim, half-naked with his face blackened and a garland of shoes hung around his neck, is seen being paraded through the village streets by a group of people.
The case has been registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against Rameshwar Gurjar, Balchand Gurjar, and others, said Mandsaur SP Abhishek Anand.
The police said they have detained the accused and have also served a notice to the Dalit man in relation to the case filed against him.
Courtesy : Maktoob Media
The Tamil Nadu Village that Denies Dalits Access to Common Road for Funeral Processions
Residents reported that Dalits were not allowed to stand under the shade of trees near small shops run by caste Hindus while waiting for government buses. Instead, they were asked to wait in the sun.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu – Around 45 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai, in Mothakkal village, on Monday, a section of caste Hindus objected to the funeral procession of a Dalit woman. The Dalit community had decided to take the body through the village’s main road due to the poor condition of their traditional route.
According to information, 70-year-old S. Kiliambal passed away at her daughter’s house in the Dalit colony on Sunday evening due to age-related illnesses. Traditionally, caste Hindus and Dalits have been using separate routes for funeral processions. The Dalit burial ground is located on the outskirts of the village, and to reach it, they must go through a muddy path.
“The usual path that Dalits use had become even worse with overgrown bushes and uneven surfaces. Authorities have not repaired it for many years. So, we decided to take the funeral procession on the route used by caste Hindus”, a member of the Bahujan community told local media. It is also reported that the path had been encroached upon by some individuals, making it difficult to use.
The police stated that the Dalits had decided to hold the funeral procession on the village’s main road around 4 p.m., but caste Hindus objected to it. Upon receiving information from panchayat officials, a police team rushed to the village to prevent any untoward incidents.
Led by R. Mandakini, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) of Tiruvannamalai, a revenue team organized peace talks between the caste Hindus and Dalits in the village. After nearly five hours of discussions, the Dalits agreed to use their traditional route. The path used by Dalits was leveled, and the woman’s funeral was conducted on Monday night.
Mothakkal is a border village connecting Tiruvannamalai to Dharmapuri district. It falls under the Thandrampattu Panchayat Union. Most caste Hindus in the village are landlords, and Dalits have been working as agricultural laborers on their lands for years.
CPI(M) worker R. Annamalai told the media, “Caste-based discrimination is common in this village. In the past, Dalits were not allowed to get haircuts at salons visited by caste Hindus. The village has also witnessed the two-tumbler system (where different cups are used for Dalits and caste Hindus).”
Following this incident, district administration and police officials will organize a series of peace talks between the two communities to end caste-based discrimination. Residents reported that Dalits were not allowed to stand under the shade of trees near small shops run by caste Hindus while waiting for government buses. Instead, they were asked to wait in the sun.
Collector D. Bhaskara Pandian said that the issue of caste discrimination in the village would be investigated.
Dalit rights activist and writer Shalin Maria Lawrence mentioned that over 500 eligible voters from the Adi Dravidar community in Mothakkal village had warned to boycott the Lok Sabha elections. The Dalit community has been struggling for years due to a lack of basic facilities and caste-based discrimination.
The community does not have access to a proper road to reach the burial ground. The community has also faced discrimination from many caste Hindus and the panchayat president.
A villager said, “For years, we have been forced to use a separate path to reach the burial ground, and the caste Hindus of our village do not allow us to pass through, making us fearful.”
To express their collective dissatisfaction, the villagers had hoisted black flags at the village entrance and in front of nearly 200 houses before the Lok Sabha elections. The villagers had also submitted a petition to the district collector detailing their demands and grievances.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
NCWL Criticizes Kangana Ranaut for Downplaying Dalit Women’s Struggles, Accuses Her of “Willful Blindness” to Caste Violence
The council argued that Ranaut’s opposition to the caste-based census demonstrates her lack of empathy and understanding of caste-based violence, accusing her of having a “fragile and eccentric worldview.”
New Delhi — The National Council of Women Leaders (NCWL) has publicly condemned Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut for her recent remarks during an interview with the media channel Lallantop, aired on August 30. The council is demanding a public apology and retraction of her statements, which they describe as “deeply troubling” and “socially toxic.”
In the interview, Ranaut made comments concerning violence against Dalit women in India, which the NCWL argues are not only misleading but also harmful. The council, which represents Dalit and Tribal women, expressed that her statements objectified Dalit women and perpetuated incorrect narratives, particularly in relation to the farmers’ protests. These comments, they assert, trivialize the brutal and systemic violence that Dalit women have historically faced and continue to endure.
The NCWL supported its condemnation with alarming data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In 2021, there were 3,893 reported cases of rape against women, of which 1,285 involved Dalit minor girls. The council emphasized that these figures are not just numbers; they represent the devastating lived realities of countless women who have been subjected to caste-based violence.
Criticism of Casual Attitude Toward Caste Atrocities
The council highlighted the dangerous implications of celebrities like Ranaut speaking casually about caste atrocities. The NCWL accused her of having a mindset that aligns more with perpetrators of caste violence than with advocates for justice. According to the statement, Ranaut appears “willfully blind” to the violence faced by Dalit women, choosing to overlook or misrepresent the severity of their struggles.
In a pointed critique, the NCWL referenced Kangana Ranaut’s home state of Himachal Pradesh, which has a significant Scheduled Castes population (25.22% according to the 2011 National Census). In 2022 alone, over 1,600 cases of caste-based atrocities were reported in the state. The council argued that Ranaut’s opposition to the caste-based census demonstrates her lack of empathy and understanding of caste-based violence, accusing her of having a “fragile and eccentric worldview.”
In 2021, there were 3,893 reported cases of rape against women, of which 1,285 involved Dalit minor girls.
The NCWL has demanded that Ranaut publicly apologize for her remarks and admit to her inadequate knowledge of Dalit women’s issues. They urged her to educate herself on the history and daily struggles of Dalit women and to develop the empathy necessary to understand the gravity of her words.
In a direct appeal, the council invited Ranaut to learn about the “darkness and horrors” that define the existence of Dalit women in India. They emphasized that without such understanding, she cannot grasp the full extent of the damage her words have caused.
Beyond addressing Ranaut, the NCWL also called upon media outlets to exercise greater responsibility when covering issues related to Dalit women. They urged the media to prioritize the voices and stories of Dalit representatives rather than amplifying harmful stereotypes perpetuated by public figures.
The council reiterated that the dignity of Dalit women is of paramount importance, and they will not allow anyone—whether media figures or celebrities—to undermine it. They emphasized that Dalit women have survived and thrived in the face of exclusion and misrepresentation, and their resolve remains strong.
Reminder of Past Atrocities
In their statement, the NCWL also reminded the public of the long history of caste-based violence against Dalit women. They referenced the 2020 Hathras case, where a Dalit woman was brutally assaulted and denied dignity even after her death. They also pointed to numerous cases where Dalit students, doctors, and workers have been found dead due to caste atrocities, with their deaths often dismissed as ‘suicides’ by those in power.
The council noted that Dalit minor girls have been assaulted, raped, and murdered simply for trying to access basic resources like education, livelihood, or water. These incidents, they stressed, are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of structural violence that continues to plague Indian society.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
Shailaja Paik: First Dalit to Receive Prestigious US ‘Genius’ Grant for Groundbreaking Work in Dalit Studies
With this fellowship, Paik’s work is set to reach even greater heights, expanding the global conversation on equality, human rights, and the fight against systemic discrimination.
New Delhi- Shailaja Paik, a historian and author specializing in Dalit studies, gender, and sexuality in modern India, has become the first Dalit person to win the esteemed MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the ‘genius grant.’ Paik’s exceptional scholarship has earned her an $800,000 award to continue her pioneering research, which explores the intersections of caste, gender, and sexuality.
Speaking about her achievement, Paik expressed her hope that non-Dalit communities would stand with Dalits to fight against caste and gender discrimination both in and outside of South Asia. “Dalits have sacrificed their blood and lives, and I hope that non-Dalits will join hands to fight caste, gender, and racial discrimination,” she told ThePrint in an email from her home in Cincinnati, USA.
The MacArthur Fellowship, awarded to individuals demonstrating exceptional creative and intellectual capabilities, offers recipients the financial freedom to expand the scope of their work. Paik plans to use the fellowship to continue her research, collaborate with global colleagues on social justice issues, and shed further light on the ongoing caste struggles in India.
One of Paik’s most impactful works, Dalit Women’s Education in Modern India: Double Discrimination, focuses on the twin oppressions of caste and gender that Dalit women faced in their pursuit of education in the 20th century.
Follow-Up: Dalit Student’s Dream of Pursuing PhD at University of Lancaster Hangs in the Balance
Born into a Dalit family in a rural part of Maharashtra, Paik grew up in challenging circumstances. Her father, the first Dalit in his village to earn a bachelor’s degree, emphasized education and empowerment for his daughters. He attended night school and worked multiple jobs to earn a degree, setting a powerful example for Paik and her sisters.
Paik completed her education at Savitribai Phule Pune University and later obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Warwick, UK, with support from the Ford Foundation. Currently, she serves as a professor of history at the University of Cincinnati.
Paik’s academic work has focused on Dalit feminist thought, using oral histories and archival materials to explore the experiences of Dalit women. Her research draws from English, Marathi, and Hindi sources and has helped elevate the often-overlooked stories of Dalit women and their fight for dignity. Her efforts have filled a crucial gap in mainstream Indian academia, where research on marginalized communities is limited. To preserve these stories, Paik is working on creating an archive of her interviews and fieldwork.
One of Paik’s most impactful works, Dalit Women’s Education in Modern India: Double Discrimination, focuses on the twin oppressions of caste and gender that Dalit women faced in their pursuit of education in the 20th century. This pioneering study drew significant attention among sociologists and scholars of education.
Her second book, The Vulgarity of Caste, examines the cultural and social dynamics of Tamasha, a traditional folk performance in Maharashtra. The work delves into how these performances, often considered vulgar, reflect broader issues of caste, gender, and exploitation, particularly for Dalit women.
One of Paik’s most impactful works, Dalit Women’s Education in Modern India: Double Discrimination, focuses on the twin oppressions of caste and gender that Dalit women faced in their pursuit of education in the 20th century.
The Tamil Nadu Village that Denies Dalits Access to Common Road for Funeral Processions
The MacArthur Fellowship, often described as a ‘no-strings-attached’ grant, is awarded without any restrictions on how recipients use the funds. Paik’s recognition adds to the growing list of Indian-origin MacArthur fellows, which includes mathematician Subhash Khot and bioengineer Manu Prakash. The fellowship has honored more than 1,100 individuals since its inception in 1981, with recipients chosen through a confidential nomination process.
For Paik, the fellowship provides the financial support needed to continue her research, but it also symbolizes a broader acknowledgment of the importance of Dalit studies and the struggle for social justice. “It’s a fantastic reminder of the contributions that Dalit studies and scholars like me have made to global conversations on human rights,” she said.
Her ongoing research seeks to illuminate the systemic inequalities perpetuated by caste, gender, and race, emphasizing the need for collective action to dismantle oppressive structures. Paik’s work underlines that the burden of addressing these inequalities should not fall solely on the marginalized; privileged communities must also join in the fight for equality and justice.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
KARNATAKASTATE
2 Mins Read
17 departments in Karnataka have not implemented 42-year-old order on promotion of SC and ST employees.
Published / Updated- October 02, 2024 15:24 ISTJAYANTH R.Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru | Photo Credit: File photo Listen to articleKarnataka government has asked all departments to follow the rule stating that in cases where SC/ST employees are not available, eligible candidates who have served at least three years should be considered for promotionThe Karnataka government has issued an order to all departments to implement an order that dates back to 1982 on promotion of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) employees, which 17 departments have not implemented yet, thereby denying promotion to many SC/ST employees.On November 26, 1982, the Department of Personnel Administrative Reforms (DPAR) issued an order stating that in cases where SC/ST employees who have served for five years are not available, eligible candidates who have served at least three years should be considered for promotion. However, many departments have not implemented the same yet.Association flags issueAfter the Karnataka State SC/ST Employees’ Coordination Committee flagged this issue, the Legislature Committee on the Welfare of SC/STs reviewed its implementation with DPAR on June 20, 2024, and found 17 departments had not implemented the same. Directions were issued to DPAR to implement the order effectively.ADVERTISEMENTNow, DPAR has issued an order to all government departments, corporations, boards, associations, commissions, universities and other Institutions under the respective departments to consider for promotion eligible candidates among SCs and STs who have rendered at least three years of qualifying service. According to the order, “If it has not already been adopted in the Cadre & Recruitment (C&R) rules, it should be adopted compulsorily, and the information about the adoption has been requested to be reported to the Commissioner, Social Welfare Department.”‘It is a shame’D. Shivashankar, honorary president of Karnataka State SC/ST Employees’ Coordination Committee, told The Hindu that it was a shame that an order issued in 1982 has not been implemented yet. “Due to this, thousands of SC/ST employees are deprived of promotion. Therefore, it is not enough for the government to just issue an order. It should give a specific time frame and instruct all departments to amend the C&R rules compulsorily. In case of negligence to implement, strict measures, like legal action against the higher authorities of the department concerned, should be taken,” he said.ADVERTISEMENTRelated StoriesContract civic workers block road in Kalaburagi, demand regularisation of servicesKarnatakaSeptember 28, 2024 21:43 ISTOutsourced child protectors raise concern about job security and benefitsKarnatakaSeptember 28, 2024 22:54 ISTThousands of government degree college guest faculty in trouble with recent Karnataka High Court order mandating UGC norms for appointmentKarnatakaSeptember 27, 2024 17:16 ISTRelated.
Jammu-Kashmir Elections Conclude With Highest Voting In Last Phase, Turnout In Reserved Constituencies Above Average
Nishtha Anushree
Oct 02, 2024, 12:56 PM | Updated 12:56 PM IST
The voting for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has concluded with the highest voter turnout in the last phase of polling with almost 70 per cent voting.
The voter turnout for the first phase was 61.38 per cent, then dropped to 57.31 per cent in the second phase and then again jumped to 69.65 per cent in the last phase.
Moreover, this voter turnout is higher than in the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year. The average turnout in the seven districts that voted in the last phase was 66.78 per cent in the Lok Sabha election.
The highest voter turnout of over 76 per cent was reported in the Udhampur district, followed by Samba and Kathua. Baramulla reported the least voter turnout of 61 per cent.
Notably, all assembly constituencies, reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, reported a voter turnout of above 70 per cent and their average turnout was higher than the overall turnout.
Marh assembly constituency, which reported the highest voter turnout of 81.47 per cent is also a SC-reserved seat. Terrorism-hit Sopore reported the least turnout of 45.32 per cent.
Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.
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