23.01.25...Untouchablity News.....अछूत समाचार.தீண்டாமை செய்திகள்.by Team UT சிவாஜி. शिवाजी .Shivaji.asivaji1962@gmail.com.9444917060.
In Dalit colonies of Delhi, AAP schemes outrank Constitution issues: ‘At least Kejriwal is helping us’
“Modi cannot sustain Kejriwal’s schemes. He is ruling in so many states, if he gives them in one, he will have to in many. And he calls these benefits revris”
- Written by Deeptiman Tiwary
- The Nai Basti Chaupal in Deoli; also in the photo, Sumit Valmiki. (Express Photo)
The open drain outside the chaupal at Nai Basti, a Dalit-dominated colony in South Delhi’s Deoli, is overflowing. Inside the compound, behind a statue of B R Ambedkar holding the Constitution, sit four men from the Jatav (Dalit) community discussing the Delhi elections.
They berate the local Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA for not having done anything for the area. Yet, all but one of them will vote for the AAP.
“What is the option? We can’t vote for the BJP,” says Sukhpal Singh. “The BJP councillor has also not done anything. At least Kejriwal’s schemes are benefiting people.”
About 30 km away, in Shahabad-Mohammedpur in West Delhi’s Bijwasan, Gulshan Kumar, a safai karmachari with the municipality, sits with his friends beside a dug-up alley along the railway line. He laments about the acute water shortage during the summers and the lack of a railway overbridge, causing jams and endangering lives.
“Last summer I had to fetch water from a nearby crematorium,” he says angrily.
Yet, he too will vote for the AAP.
“Yes, the MLA has not done enough work. But I had never imagined my children could go to good schools. The hospitals have become so clean and all medicines are available for free,” Gulshan Kumar says, remarking that the nearby government-run Indira Gandhi Hospital in Dwarka has “Italian marble” while the lobby has a “sofa”. “It is as good as any private hospital.”
With the Opposition successfully building a campaign around “threat to the Constitution” in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, all parties are trying hard to woo the community in Delhi.
Yet, in Dalit colonies in the Capital, the Constitution is not part of the electoral discourse. Very few, largely from the Jatav community, speak of the issue without being specifically asked about it. Poll conversations are largely centred around the AAP government’s schemes, and the promises made by the BJP and Congress in response.
Gulshan and his friends speak in unison on why: “Constitution toh sabne mil ke khatam kar diya. Ab jisse jo mil jaye (The parties have together demolished the Constitution. Now we look for what we can get from anyone).”
In Deoli’s Nai Basti Chaupal, the only one who brings up the issue of the Constitution is voting for the NDA. However, Kamal Singh clarifies, this is because the NDA candidate belongs to the same village as him.
The Deoli constituency is reserved for SCs, and the BJP has given it to its ally LJP led by Chirag Paswan.
But on the matter of the Constitution, Kamal Singh too has qualms regarding the BJP. “BJP politicians keep saying negative things about the Constitution off and on. This upsets the community.”
But, where the AAP is concerned, people seem willing to forgive the many failures of its MLAs – even on basic things like sewerage – with Kejriwal’s welfare schemes and sprucing up of schools and hospitals counting above everything, for a community that is used to being ignored in governance priorities.
But their numbers mean they can’t be treated similarly in elections. Out of Delhi’s 70 seats, for example, 12 are reserved for SCs and in as many as 18 more, Dalits are in sizeable numbers – making their support critical in who forms the government.
The BJP and Congress have even fielded Dalit candidates in non-reserved constituencies – the BJP in Matia Mahal and Ballimaran, the Congress in Narela – as a signal to the community.
In Shahabad-Mohammedpur, the overwhelming support for the AAP among the Dalit community rests as much on hospitals and free power and water, as free bus rides for women.
Aashu Kumar, 28, a percussionist with a jagrata band (which play night long at Hindu religious functions), says: “The schools we studied in were so bad, but look at the schools now… If there is anyone who thinks about the poor, it is Kejriwal.”
“Had we gone to such schools… we wouldn’t be playing in jagratas,” Aashu adds.
Asha, an MCD worker who is a Valmiki, says: “I go to Dabri for work. I am saving so much money since bus rides became free. He (Kejriwal) is thinking about us.”
But aren’t other parties promising cash doles to women too? Asha says: “I don’t know whether I will get the Rs 2,100 that Kejriwal has promised (as part of the Mahila Samman Yojana). But I am sure I will never get it from Modi.”
In Deoli, Sumit Valmiki, 28, does not bat an eyelid declaring his support for the AAP even while slamming its outgoing MLA, whom the party has replaced this time.
“My aunt travels from Badarpur to Lodhi Road for a job that pays her just Rs 13,000 a month. How would that be possible without free bus rides? People who say they are supporting the BJP, I ask them to start paying power bills,” he says.
Others also express the apprehension that if the BJP comes to power, it will take away the AAP government’s benefits – a concern that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself tried to assuage in one of his poll speeches.
Vishal Kumar, 30, reasons: “Modi cannot sustain Kejriwal’s schemes. He is ruling in so many states, if he gives them in one, he will have to in many. And then why should we trust Modi? He calls these benefits revris.”
Amid similar support for the AAP in Tughlaqabad’s Balmiki Mohalla, there are a few traditional BJP supporters. Ramesh Kumar, a government employee who also runs a grocery store, says the AAP’s freebies are “ruining the country”. “I am from the middle class. I get none of his freebies. And the free bus ride has meant that even to buy coriander leaves, women go to the Badarpur border. Men keep waiting at the bus stop,” he claims.
Posters attached to a cow. (Express Photo)Here, the BJP’s additional challenge is familiarising its candidate to the electorate. Its local heavyweight, Ramesh Bidhuri, has been shifted to Kalkaji to take on AAP Chief Minister Atishi. “People do not know BJP candidate Rohtas Bidhuri. To offset the popularity of AAP schemes, we needed a strong candidate like Ramesh Bidhuri here,” says a BJP worker, who is a Valmiki.
In this Delhi battle that seems confined to the BJP and AAP, there are scattered Congress supporters, such as Devinder Kumar, 62, a retired government employee.
One reason is the nostalgia for Sheila Dikshit’s regime, which comes up in conversations. “No one has done as much work for Delhi,” says Kumar, who also confesses to being a long-time Congress supporter. However, another reason is Congress candidate Devinder Sehrawat, who was earlier with the AAP. “He has done a lot of work. I will vote for him, whether he wins or not.”
In SC-reserved Kondli too, the BJP is facing candidate problems. Priyanka Gautam was an AAP councillor till a few months ago. “Now she is going door to door telling voters that the AAP has done nothing. Then what were you doing with them for the past five years?” says Vikas Kumar, a gig worker.
Pawan Kumar, 45, who belongs to the dominant Jatav community in the area like Vikas, says that in the seat, “the contest is between the AAP and Congress”.
He brings it back to the issue of the Constitution. “Nobody will vote for the BJP here. Look at how Amit Shah spoke about Ambedkar in Parliament. He gave us the Constitution and this is how you talk about him!”
Hundreds of Dalits gather in Bengaluru, demand HM Amit Shah’s apology on Ambedkar remarks
Dalit groups organised a huge protest in Bengaluru to demand that Union Home Minister Amit Shah apologise for his remarks on BR Ambedkar in Parliament in the winter session.
Hundreds of people raised slogans denouncing Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Freedom park in Bengaluru on Thursday, January 23, and demanded that he “kneel down and apologise” for insulting Dr BR Ambedkar, who drafted India’s Constitution.
The public meeting, condemning Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar in Parliament last December, was organised by the Dalit Sangharsha Samitigala Okkoota, a federation of Dalit groups in the state.
During the winter session in the Rajya Sabha last December, Shah had said, “It has become a fashion now [to chant Ambedkar’s name]. If you had taken god’s name that many times, you would have gone to heaven for the next seven births.”
These remarks sparked widespread outrage across the country. In Karnataka, progressive and Dalit groups organised protests, bandhs, and burned effigies of Shah, demanding that he apologise. Towns such as Bidar and Mandya saw near-complete shutdowns for the first time over an insult to Ambedkar, which is often perceived as a ‘Dalit issue’.
Shankar said that the Constitution was under threat by those who wished for a rule of Manusmriti. “For thousands of years, Manusmriti was used to trample us, but the Constitution broke the legs that were trampling on us. Today, if we can breathe, it is because of the Constitution,” he said.
Referring to the Pejavar seer’s remarks that there should be a Constitution that respects Brahmins, Shankar said, “Which is the Constitution that respects the Pejavar seer? The Manusmriti? We need to beware.”
Shankar also warned political parties not to consider Dalits as merely their votebanks. “We don’t exist to vote for you. We are not beggars. We want a share in political power.”
Quoting from Kuvempu and Basavanna’s writings, Shankar said that Dalits must first get themselves in order. “In the future, there will be a Buddhist revolution. Ambedkar dreamed that his people would adopt Buddhism. We should achieve this dream.”
Indira Krishnappa, wife of B Krishnappa, one of the founders of the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, said that the Constitution was not merely the law but a guide that would “make freedom, equality, and fraternity a way of life”.
The convention passed six resolutions. First, they condemned Shah’s statement. Second, they demanded that Shah kneel before a statue of Ambedkar and apologise for his remarks. Third, the state government must discuss the Kantharaj report, popularly called the Caste Census, in the Cabinet and take action based on the report. Fourth, the state government must invite the Okkoota for discussion every year before the state budget is prepared. Five, the BJP and other communal forces must stop targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge. Lastly, the convention affirmed its commitment to social justice.
SC notice to M.P. govt. in suspicious death of Dalit woman, murders of two family members
Anjana Ahirwar, a resident of Sagar district, had died in May 2024 after she allegedly fell from an ambulance that was carrying the body of her uncle who had been allegedly thrashed to death just days ago
Published - January 23, 2025 04:49 am IST - BHOPAL
A general view of the Supreme Court of India. | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 22, 2025) issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government seeking its response on a petition demanding a CBI or SIT investigation into the death of a 20-year-old Dalit woman and alleged murders of her brother and uncle in Sagar district.
A Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Aravind Kumar, hearing a petition filed by Anjana Ahirwar’s mother on Wednesday, sought the State government’s demands of moving the investigation out of Madhya Pradesh and police protection for the victim’s family.
Anjana, a resident of Sagar’s Khurai town, had died in May 2024 after she allegedly fell from an ambulance that was carrying the body of her uncle who had been allegedly thrashed to death just days ago. Her 18-year-old brother had been allegedly murdered by a group of men after he did not reportedly agree to “settle” a 2019 case of molestation against them by Anjana, and their mother was also allegedly stripped and beaten in August 2023.
The uncle, who died in May last year, was also a witness in the 2023 murder of Anjana’s brother.
Anjana’s death had created a massive uproar with Congress and other Opposition parties targeting the BJP government over atrocities against Dalits and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visiting the family and assuring justice.
While the Sagar police have ruled out any foul play in Anjana’s death, the family has rejected the police claims. The police have also arrested several men in connection with the two alleged murders.
The family has, however, long accused the police and authorities of shielding the accused who, they claim, are linked to BJP MLA and former State Minister Bhupendra Singh.
Also read | PM Modi has ended ‘rule of law’: Rahul Gandhi slams BJP on Dalit woman’s death in Madhya Pradesh
In the petition before the Supreme Court too, the girl’s mother has alleged that the BJP leader is “influencing and threatening the witnesses” and said that the prosecution of the accused is not possible in Madhya Pradesh.
“He is influencing and threatening the witnesses. Due to the power and influence of the accused, three family members, who were important witnesses in the criminal conspiracy against the Dalit family, have already been murdered in the span of one year,” the petition read, demanding to transfer the probe out of the State.
The petition also said: “The sabotage of the investigation and the killing of eyewitnesses were the result of a criminal conspiracy, which involved members of the village’s dominant community headed by the former Home Minister of the State of M.P.”
The court has sought the government’s response by the third week of March.
Published - January 23, 2025 04:49 am IST.
ജാതിപരമായ എതിര്പ്പ്: ദളിത് വരന് കുതിരപ്പുറത്തെത്താന് സുരക്ഷയൊരുക്കി 200 പോലീസുകാര്
ജയ്പുർ: വിവാഹ ഘോഷയാത്രയ്ക്ക് ജാതിപരമായ എതിർപ്പ് ഭയന്ന് പോലീസിനെ സമീപിച്ച കുടുംബത്തിന് സുരക്ഷയൊരുക്കി രാജസ്ഥാൻ പോലീസ്. അജ്മീർ ജില്ലയിലാണ് സംഭവം. ദളിത് യുവാവിന്റെ വിവാഹ ചടങ്ങിനോടനുബന്ധിച്ച കുതിരപ്പുറത്തുള്ള ഘോഷയാത്രയ്ക്കെതിരെ മറ്റുജാതിയിൽപ്പെട്ടവരുടെ എതിർപ്പ് മനസിലാക്കിയാണ് വധുവിന്റെ കുടുംബം പോലീസിനെയും ജില്ലാ ഭരണകൂടത്തെയും സമീപിച്ചത്.
ലവേര ഗ്രാമത്തിലായിരുന്നു വിവാഹം. ഗ്രാമത്തിലെ സവർണ വിഭാഗത്തിലുള്ളവരുടെ എതിർപ്പ് പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ച് വധു അരുണ ഖോർവാളിൻ്റെ കുടുംബമാണ് ഭരണകൂടത്തെ സമീപിച്ചത്. ചടങ്ങിനായി 200 ഓളം ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥരെയാണ് ഭരണകൂടം വിന്യസിച്ചത്. വരൻ വിജയ് റെഗർ, വധുവിൻ്റെ ഗ്രാമത്തിലെത്തി പരമ്പരാഗത രീതിയിൽ വിവാഹം ചടങ്ങുകൾ പൂർത്തിയാക്കുന്നതുവരെ പോലീസ് സുരക്ഷയൊരുക്കി.
'വിവാഹ ഘോഷയാത്രയിൽ എന്തെങ്കിലും തരത്തിലുള്ള പ്രശ്നമുണ്ടാകാമെന്ന് ഒരു കുടുംബം പോലീസിനോട് ആശങ്ക ഉന്നയിച്ചിരുന്നു. തയ്യാറെടുപ്പിൻ്റെ ഭാഗമായി ഗ്രാമത്തിൽ ഒരു യോഗം ചേർന്നു. ഗ്രാമവാസികളും സഹകരിച്ചു, പ്രശ്നമുണ്ടാകില്ലെന്ന് പറഞ്ഞു. ഘോഷയാത്ര പോലീസ് സംരക്ഷണത്തിലാണ് നടന്നത്' അജ്മീർ പോലീസ് സൂപ്രണ്ട് വന്ദിത റാണ പറഞ്ഞു.
അരുണയുടെ പിതാവ് നാരായൺ ഖോർവാൾ രമേഷ് ചന്ദ് ബൻസാൽ ഉൾപ്പെടെയുള്ള പ്രാദേശിക നേതാക്കളെയും സമീപിച്ചിരുന്നു. ബൻസാൽ ദേശീയ മനുഷ്യാവകാശ കമ്മീഷന് കത്തെഴുതുകയും സഹായത്തിനായി ലോക്കൽ പോലീസിനെ സമീപിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു. തുടർന്നാണ് പോലീസുകാരെ വിന്യസിക്കാൻ തീരുമാനമായത്.
"ഞങ്ങൾ ഭയപ്പെട്ടാൽ കാര്യങ്ങൾ എങ്ങനെ നടക്കും. ഞങ്ങൾ വിദ്യാസമ്പന്നരായ കുടുംബമാണ്. മുൻകാലങ്ങളിൽ വിവാഹ ചടങ്ങുകൾക്കിടെ അനിഷ്ട സംഭവങ്ങൾ ഉണ്ടായിട്ടുണ്ട്, അതിനാൽ പോലീസിനെയും പ്രവർത്തകരെയും സമീപിച്ചിരുന്നു," വധുവിൻ്റെ പിതാവിനെ ഉദ്ധരിച്ച് എൻഡിടിവി റിപ്പോർട്ട് ചെയ്തു.
Proposal to Remove Three Castes from SC List: Those Calling Caste a 'Cancer' Say—Changing Names Won't Cure the Disease
On the proposal to remove the names 'Chura,' 'Bhangi,' and 'Mochi' from the Scheduled Caste list, intellectuals and experts have stated that removing the caste-based names of communities included in the SC list could endanger their lived experiences, historical identities, and constitutional safeguards.
New Delhi: The Haryana government recently sent a proposal to the central government to remove caste names such as "Chura," "Bhangi," and "Mochi" from the Scheduled Caste (SC) list. The government has stated that these names are not only offensive but are also used as derogatory slurs in society. These names are associated with traditional occupations and have long been used as markers of caste identity.
According to the Haryana government, these names are now viewed in a disrespectful and negative light within society, and the demand for their removal has been raised for several years. Currently, "Chura" and "Bhangi" are listed as second in the SC list, while "Mochi" is listed ninth. Any amendment to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe list requires legislative changes by the central government.
However, this move has sparked differing opinions within the Bahujan community.
The Mooknayak spoke to various social activists and intellectuals about the issue. Many pointed out that removing offensive caste names at the governmental level is acceptable, but if the underlying intent is to promote Hindutva terminology, it would not be in the best interest of the community.
Dalit rights activist and author from Rajasthan, Bhanwar Meghwanshi, said:
“It is true that the names of several castes within the Scheduled Caste community have become so derogatory that they are synonymous with slurs. It is necessary to rid society of such contemptuous caste names and terminology. If caste names that evoke disrespect are being removed at the governmental level, it is a correct process. However, it is important to ensure that no caste gets excluded from the Scheduled Caste list due to the removal of these names.”
Will Removing Caste Names End Violence and Discrimination?
Former member of the Madhya Pradesh State Scheduled Caste Commission and SC Congress President, Pradeep Ahirwar, described the proposal as unfortunate and an attempt by the government to shirk its responsibility. Speaking with The Mooknayak’s Deputy Editor, Ankit Pachauri, Ahirwar said:
“It is the government’s responsibility to provide social security and justice to every member of the Scheduled Caste community, which is their constitutional right.”
He raised several critical questions:
“Will removing caste names from the list end caste-based violence against these communities?”
“Will it prevent the rape of women and girls from these communities?”
“Will it put an end to social discrimination and untouchability?”
Ahirwar emphasized that removing caste names will not address the root issues of discrimination. He suggested that the government should instead focus on providing opportunities such as education, loans for business, and land for farming to uplift these communities economically and eradicate caste-based discrimination.
Identity Politics and Constitutional Safeguards at Risk
Anil Wagde, a member of the Ambedkar International Center, called caste a "cancer" and said: “Renaming caste will not cure this cancer. This is a unique way to dismantle the reservation system for Scheduled Castes.”
Anti caste crusader and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Allahabad University, Dr Rehna Raveendran too holds a similar view and finds the move insignificant in eliminating caste biasedness . She says, " I don't think this move can make any substantial difference, if it intends to do away with prejudices attached to caste names. Rather, it may adversely affect the marginalised castes who are at the periphery and ignored completely by the state. The removal of caste names, without any well discussed and researched plan as to what's the implications of such move on the status of people who belonged under the said categories, may invite more issues including recategorisation, identification, administrative intricacies etc. The issue of offensive use of caste names has already been addressed in the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act which penalizes any sort of caste slurs. The need of the hour is to strengthen and tighten the implementation of the act which will discourage the public to use caste names as derogatory. Moreover, if the government is willing to work towards caste prejudices, it must seriously work to lay out an action plan consulting various stakeholders."
Speaking with The Mooknayak’s Assistant Editor Rajan Chaudhary, Dr. Vikram Harijan, an assistant professor at Allahabad University, commented: “This is wrong. Such proposals aim to distort historical facts.”
Nagsen Sonare, National President of the Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers (BANAE), has a slightly different view. He said:
“Caste names such as Chura, Bhangi, and Chamar are casteist slurs. Their removal is justified, but it must be ensured that they are replaced with dignified alternatives. The castes should remain on the list with their new names.”
Questions About the Practicality of Name Changes
Ravi Kant Chandan, an associate professor of Hindi and Modern Indian Languages at Lucknow University, shared his views with The Mooknayak’s representative Pratikshit Singh. He said: “If society can move beyond using such offensive terms, it would be a good step. However, it is important that the intentions behind such proposals are transparent and positive.”
Chandan raised concerns that the move might be aimed at furthering a Hindutva agenda. He explained: “The removal of caste names should not be used as a tactic to strengthen Hindu politics. If there is no hidden agenda and the intentions are genuine, this effort would be welcome.”
He also questioned the alternatives to the removed names:
“Will the term ‘Bhangi’ be replaced with ‘Valmiki’? Even this carries political undertones. The promotion of Valmiki as a term might also be used to push the Hindutva agenda. However, if this step genuinely reduces caste-based humiliation, it can be accepted.”
Chandan emphasized that such symbolic changes will only be effective if they are supported by concrete efforts to promote education and social equality. Simply removing names will not address the deeply entrenched caste issues in Indian society.
Chennai based Dalit rights activists and author Shalin Maria Lawrence believes, removal of caste names is not a solution against caste atrocities.
" In fact even after removing the name the communities will still be easily identified by the Dominant castes and upper castes. Infact people with upper caste names should be embarrassed and ashamed to use it . Dalits are casteless people and their community names are not indecent in any way . Also there are upper caste people with caste names like Trivedi , chaturvedi etc still maintain the community name even though they do not practice their caste based jobs . So the Haryana government stating that it's not relevant anymore doesn't hold any logic and ground," Shalin states.
"But what will happen on the contrary is that any identity politics taken up by the SC communities like Bhangi ,Mochi etc will lose relevance if the name is deleted . And also any welfare or sub-classification will affect them adversely. Also technically there will be a lot of hassle changing the community certificates and all bureaucratic practice . Already the Dalit community is going through hell because of red tape and bureaucracy involving caste names and procedures . This will only make it worse and their whole life will be spent running after this," she further adds.
Also when it comes to atrocities act and action on violence/discrimination will be a problem again with these caste names deleted . Even after deletion their identity will not change and the caste Hindus know how to locate them with different means and target them . Because deletion of caste names is not going to change caste Hindu attitudes.But what will happen after is that legal process will be very challenging with names deleted . Again bureaucratic,legal and judicial hassle.
The author strongly believes that deletion of caste names of communities in SC list will only lead to erasure of lived history ,lived experience and risk of losing constitutional safeguard and remedies.
That's why the constitution abolishes untouchability but not caste . Because caste has to be managed for SC/STs to make sure they are protected and recieve affirmative action .
So the Haryana government's decision is very dangerous and if it gets implemented then it will be rolled out nationally and it will create havoc in the country.
Bengaluru slum demolition: BJP MLA Munirathna, aides booked for casteist slur, destroying property
BJP MLA Munirathna and his aides have been accused of demolishing structures in the Akkamahadevi slum in Bengaluru and manhandling and assaulting the slum dwellers.
The case was filed after Geetha, 20, a resident of the slum, filed a complaint with the RMC Yard police.Karnataka BJP MLA Munirathna and several of his associates were booked on Tuesday for allegedly demolishing several structures in the Akkamahadevi slum in Bengaluru that mainly houses labourers from the north Karnataka region who belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
Munirathna and his aides were booked under several charges, including intentionally destroying property and criminal intimidation, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015.
The case was filed after Geetha, 20, a resident of the slum, filed a complaint with the RMC Yard police. According to the complaint, Munirathna and associates Vasanth Kumar, Channakeshav, Naveen, Sreeram, Peenya Kitty, and Peenya Ganga arrived at the slum near Peenya Government Degree College around 11 am on Monday without any prior notice. They reportedly brought an earthmover and began demolishing houses on the government land.
The complainant further stated that women in the slum were manhandled and assaulted during the incident. “We are investigating the incident and determining the authority under which the demolitions were carried out. The suspects have not been arrested yet,” a senior police officer said.
The RMC Yard police have booked a case under sections 324(2) (intentionally damaging or destroying property), 74 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 351(3) (criminal intimidation by treating to cause death or grievous hurt, or to cause the destruction of any property by fire) and 190 (unlawful assembly) of the BNS and under Section 3(1)(r)(s) (intentionally abuses a SC/ST within public view by caste name) of the SC/ST Act.
Munirathna was among the legislators who jumped ship from the Congress and joined the BJP in 2019 and has been at loggerheads with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and his brother, former MP D K Suresh. In the 2023 Assembly elections, the brothers extended support to Kusuma Hanumantharayappa from Congress in the R R Nagar constituency but Munirathna retained his seat.
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Two cases were recently registered against Munirathna, leading to the formation of a special investigation team to inquire into the allegations. The first case involves casteist abuse allegedly directed at a contractor and the second pertains to a woman’s sexual assault allegations against Munirathna and others. He is out on bail in both cases.
Applicants accuse KU of favouring SC candidates in recruitment
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Jan 21: Applicants accuse Kashmir University of unfairly favouring Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates in its non-teaching recruitment process while ignoring other reserved categories like Scheduled Tribes (ST), Residents of Backward Areas (RBA), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Actual Line of Control (ALC) and called for equal reservations or their complete removal.
Scores of applicants told Excelsior that the Varsity advertised nearly 50 non-teaching positions over the last six months, but reservations were exclusively allotted to the SC category, excluding all other reserved categories. They claim this violates the Reservation Act 2024, which mandates nearly 50% of positions be distributed among all reserved categories.
Details reveal that of three deputy registrar positions advertised four months ago, one was reserved for SC candidates. Similarly, in January, two of 12 advertised positions-including lab assistants and junior assistants-were allocated to the SC category.
In December, one SC reservation was made for three field and research investigator positions, while six technical assistant positions saw a single SC reservation, with no consideration for other categories.
Aspirants argue that the recruitment process undermines fairness. “The University should either adhere to the Reservation Act 2024 and include all categories or scrap reservations entirely for open merit,” said an applicant. He added, “Preferring one category raises serious concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process.”
Applicants claim that last year’s recruitment process for 240 teaching positions followed reservation norms, ensuring equal representation for all categories. However, the trend over the past six months has deviated from these practices.
“There must be an investigation into why the university is selectively applying reservation rules. The advertised positions should be withdrawn and re-advertised as per the law,” a candidate said, warning they would approach the court if corrective measures are not taken.
The registrar of the University, Naseer Iqbal, told Excelsior that all categories would be included in future recruitment drives.
Vedike demands 6% internal reservation for Madigas
Mysuru: With the Supreme Court on Aug. 1, 2024, ruling that States are Constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes (SC), which form a socially heterogeneous class, for granting reservation for the upliftment of castes that are socially and educationally more backward, city-based Karnataka Samaajika Nyayapara Vakeelara Vedike has urged the Government to declare a six percent internal reservation for Madigas and other downtrodden sub-castes.
The Vedike, headed by senior city Advocate S. Arun Kumar presented a memorandum in this regard to Justice Nagamohan Das Commission at the Commission Office on Nrupatunga Road in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
The State Government in November last year had formed a Commission of inquiry headed by Justice Nagamohan Das, a retired Judge of the Karnataka High Court, to recommend to the Government on the internal reservation for SC communities. The Commission was tasked with the collection of empirical data and submission of recommendations to the State Government within two months.
The SC in its Aug. 1, 2024 ruling, permitted the States to create sub-classifications within the SC and ST categories for the purpose of according wider protections through fixed sub-quotas to the most backward communities within these categories.
The Vedike while highlighting the Top Court’s ruling, urged Nagamohan Das Commission to take note of the recommendations of Justice A.J. Sadashiva Commission which was set up in 2005 to examine methods of equitable distribution of reservation facilities among SCs and recommend internal reservation.
The Vedike also told Nagamohan Das Commission that the State Congress Government, after getting Cabinet approval on internal reservation as promised by the Congress party in the run up to the 2023 Assembly polls, submitted a report to the Centre by adding Category 3 in order to bring about an amendment to Article 341, for facilitating internal reservation.
Pointing out that the Sadashiva Commission had made 4 sub-classifications for internal reservation, Vedike President S. Arun Kumar said that the four sub-classifications covered Madiga and sub-castes Holeya and sub-castes, Bhovi, Lambani, Korama, Koracha sects and nomadic tribes.
The Vedike upon apprising Justice Nagamohan Das on its demand for six percent internal reservation for Madiga and other downtrodden communities in keeping with the SC ruling, urged the Commission to consider the empirical data while making its recommendations to the Government.
Vedike Vice-President M. Dasaiah, office-bearers Shivakumar M. Belthur, Boodithittu Rajendra, Malappa Kurki, M.R. Surendrakumar, Beesanahalli Jayappa, N. Chandrappa, Shivappa N. Chikkannavar, Siddaiah, Rangadhamaiah, Narahari, Shivakumar A. Doddamani, Chandrasena Sagar and others were present.
This post was published on January 22, 2025 6:36 pm
jamSakeena Itoo chairs Cabinet Sub- Committee meet on Reservation Rules
JAMMU, JANUARY 22: The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Reservation Rules convened its meeting under the chairpersonship of Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo here today.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana (member of Sub-committee); Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sanjeev Verma; Secretary Law, Achal Sethi and representatives from General Administration Department also participated in the meeting.
The Sub-committee examined the grievances and issues raised by section of aspirants and students on different aspects of existing reservation policy. The Sub-committee also discussed the existing reservation policy and evaluated several aspects of it.
Pertinently, the cabinet Sub-committee was constituted by the government last month to look into grievances projected by several section of aspirants against the existing reservation rules.
The sub-committee will submit its report to the council of ministers headed by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
Merugu demands completion of pending Ambedkar statue works
On the statue’s first anniversary, Nagarjuna reminded the public that the monument was established under former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership to inspire future generations.
Nagarjuna, who led the statue’s construction committee, expressed concern over the halt of essential projects, including a convention centre and a compound wall, despite allocated funds.
He criticised the TDP government for failing to complete the monument and praised YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for finishing the project.
The former minister also highlighted the government’s neglect of the site, delays in staff salary payments, and lack of support for visitors. He questioned if political motives were behind the neglect, suggesting that the government might fear credit going to Reddy. Nagarjuna called for immediate resumption of works and fair treatment of the monument.
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First time a home minister insulted Ambedkar on floor of House: MP Priyanka Gandhi
Hitting out at the Centre for trying to weaken the Constitution, she said “We had so many governments in power since Independence in the country at the Centre, but we never had a Union government like this where ministers tour the country during elections, claiming that they will change the Constitution,’’ she added.
She said that freedom fighters, who gave their blood and sweat to free the country from the British, were insulted by the home minister. “The people should give a serious thought as to why the Union government is resorting to such acts. During the freedom movement, another ideology was emerging in this country and that was the same force which maligned the Constitution. The leaders who were promoting that ideology ran a campaign against the Constitution then too,” she added.
Ambedkar spoke of equality for women decades ago which the present day womenfolk speak of, she said, adding that when Ambedkar spoke of equality for women through the Constitution, the people who believed in the RSS ideology burnt effigies of Ambedkar. “It is only because BJP took birth on the basis of such ideologies that the party has been insulting Ambedkar and defaming the Constitution,” she added.
Priyanka said the people of this country taught BJP a lesson in the 2024 Parliament elections despite saffron party leaders claiming they will change the Constitution. The Constitution is not merely a book, but a shield for the people of this country, she said.
She called Belagavi a holy land for Congress and the people who saw Mahatma Gandhiji assuming charge as President of Congress in 1924 and Bal Gangadhar Tilak launching the struggle.
“I saw a portrait in Suvarna Vidhana Soudha today of Lord Basavanna being seated and Akka Mahadevi standing before him. It reflects the democratic values of this state where equality, participation and democracy existed back then. These are the same values on which our freedom struggle was fought and Gandhiji ran the freedom movement,’’ she said.
Calling the Indian freedom movement unique and rare in the world, Priyanka said to bring down the mighty kingdoms, violence took place at a large scale in different parts of the world and blood flowed like a river. However, in our country it was fought based on the principles of truth and non-violence.
Nabin Babu Gurung
Kathmandu, Jan 22
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