Background

The controversy surrounding Prof. Harijan began when he posted a critical message on social media, where he voiced concerns over certain Hindu deities, arguing that some religious figures perpetuate caste-based discrimination and superstition. His remarks quickly ignited a firestorm of online criticism, with numerous groups accusing him of insulting Hindu sentiments. The backlash led to widespread condemnation, and the issue escalated further when members of the university’s academic community weighed in.

Though Prof. Harijan issued a public apology for his statements, the response from the public remained largely hostile, prompting the university administration to take formal action. On October 3, during a meeting of the Executive Council of Allahabad University, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sangita Srivastava, the council discussed measures to address the situation. In their deliberations, they concluded that any action by university personnel that could tarnish the institution’s image would not be tolerated. As part of this, the council introduced stricter guidelines for all university staff, particularly faculty members. These guidelines included the stipulation that all faculty members must seek prior approval from the Vice-Chancellor before posting content related to the university on social media.

Despite the official apology and efforts to resolve the issue, the matter took a more serious turn on November 14. Registrar Prof. Ashish Khare issued a formal warning to Prof. Harijan. The notice, which was based on the findings and recommendations of the Executive Council, advised the professor to refrain from making any further provocative remarks on sensitive issues like religion and culture. The notice stated that such actions, particularly those made on public or social media platforms, could potentially harm the reputation of Allahabad University. The warning also emphasized that continued behavior of this nature would result in severe disciplinary actions, in line with the institution’s procedural norms.

Prof. Harijan’s unapologetic stance

According to Mooknayak, Prof. Harijan remained unapologetic about his stance on caste-based discrimination and superstition. He emphasized that his critical remarks were directed not at individuals but at the broader social and religious structures that perpetuate inequality and marginalization.

“If religion and caste promote superstition and discrimination, I will speak out against them, and I will continue to do so. Receiving a notice has not deterred me,” Prof. Harijan stated firmly. He clarified that his views were not aimed solely at Hinduism but extended to all religions that, in his opinion, sustain caste hierarchies and exclusionary practices. “I speak against all religions that encourage discrimination, whether it is Hinduism, Islam, or Sikhism. My focus is on marginalized communities who remain excluded across all religious frameworks,” he explained, as reported Mooknayak.

However, Prof. Harijan’s criticism of religious structures is not new. Throughout his academic career, he has been vocal about the intersections of caste, religion, and social justice. His academic work and public remarks challenge the traditional norms that many in India consider sacred. The professor’s unwavering stance on caste discrimination and his refusal to be silenced by university authorities have made him a polarizing figure.

In the aftermath of the notice, Prof. Harijan’s supporters have rallied behind him, lauding his courage to speak out against the social evils of casteism and superstition. Many students and faculty members at Allahabad University have voiced their admiration for Harijan’s commitment to social justice, noting that his contributions to the academic environment have been invaluable in raising awareness about marginalized communities and their struggles.

Allahabad University’s formal notice, and Prof. Harijan’s response, have reignited a larger debate about the freedom of expression, particularly for academics, and the role of universities in shaping public discourse. The incident also raises important questions about the limits of academic freedom, especially when it comes to discussions that challenge deeply held cultural and religious beliefs.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the university will balance the need to protect its reputation with the rights of its faculty members to express their academic and personal views. However, one thing is clear: Prof. Harijan’s resolve to address caste discrimination, superstition, and social inequities shows no signs of waning, and his actions will undoubtedly continue to provoke thought and controversy in the academic community and beyond.

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The post Dalit Prof. stands firm against caste discrimination and superstition, defying university warning appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Dalit scholar files complaint against professor for casteist slurred in UP

On August 30, Shivam Kumar, a Dalit research scholar at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), has filed a complaint with the National SC/ST Commission after facing casteist harassment and misconduct from a senior professor during an academic meeting on May 30. The incident occurred during Shivam’s viva for upgradation from Junior Research Fellow (JRF) to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) in the Anatomy department of the Ayurveda faculty. According to Shivam, the situation took a turn for the worse when he took a group photo during a refreshment session, which angered the senior professor.

The professor allegedly hurled a half-eaten samosa at Shivam and unleashed a barrage of casteist slurs, questioning his manners for taking pictures while someone was eating. This shocking incident highlights the pervasive casteism and discrimination faced by Dalit students in academic institutions.”

Shivam immediately reported the incident to the university administration, including the dean of students. However, no action has been taken so far, prompting him to escalate the matter to the National SC/ST Commission on August 30, reported The Observer Post.

Shiv Sena leader and mob booked for attacking Dalit youth: Thane, Maharashtra

On September 4, A Shiv Sena leader and several other were booked for allegedly attacking a group of people and preventive them from entering a temple, police said on Thursday. According to a police officer, the incident took place during a meeting called by accused former councillor Vikas Repale at a temple in Wagle Estate area late Wednesday night.

The altercation began when the complainant, a 25-year-old Dalit student, and others of the same caste were stopped from entering the temple by Repale, who questioned their presence to their Buddhist faith.

“As per the complainant, who is a 25-year-old Dalit student, he and some others of his caste were stopped from entering the temple for the meeting by Repale. He told them why they should come to a temple when he (complainant) belongs to a different religion (Buddhism). As per the complaint, Repale tried to hit them with a rod while others with him threw slippers,” said a Wagle Estate police station official, reported Times of India.

Dalit School boy beaten up by teacher with pipe: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

As reported in Bharat Samachar on September 8, in Meerut, UP, an innocent student was brutally beaten by a teacher with a pipe. The teacher also used caste-based slurred. When the family of the Dalit student complained, the teacher threatened him and sent him away.

The incident is of Rali Chauhan Higher Primary School. In this government school, teacher Vivek Singh brutally beat a Dalit student. It is being reported that the innocent child kept screaming, but the merciless teacher kept beating him with the pipe. When the student reached home, he told the whole incident to his family members and showed the wounds of beating on his body.

Link:

मेरठ

सरकारी स्कूल में दलित छात्र की पिटाई
स्कूल टीचर ने दलित छात्र को बेरहमी से पीटा
शिक्षक विवेक सिंह ने पाइप से छात्र की पिटाई की
शिकायत करने पर पैरेंट्स, ग्रामीणों को धमकाया
थाने में शिकायत के बावजूद केस दर्ज नहीं हुआ
राली चौहान उच्च प्राथमिक स्कूल का मामला… pic.twitter.com/fFGAWAVYfR

— भारत समाचार | Bharat Samachar (@bstvlive) September 8, 2024

However, the student’s family lodged a complaint at the police station, but the case has not been registered.

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The post Cruelty for Caste: Dalit youth, Scholar, Student targeted in shameful attacks appeared first on SabrangIndia.

This committee’s recommendations target various aspects, from administrative reforms and teacher training to curriculum changes and student conduct regulations. The ultimate goal is to dismantle caste-based biases and establish social justice, aligning with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of a progressive society.

This piece delves deeper into the reasons behind the committee’s establishment, the dangers of caste markers in schools, and the proposed solutions for a more equitable educational environment.

The one-man committee: Justice K. Chandru

Justice K. Chandru, a retired judge of the Madras High Court, was appointed to head a One-Man Committee to investigate and address caste-based discrimination and violence in Tamil Nadu’s schools. The committee was tasked with providing recommendations to create an inclusive, equitable, and non-discriminatory environment in educational institutions. Mr. Chandru submitted his report to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Secretariat in Chennai on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in the presence of School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena and others.

Caste names and markers: their role and significance

Caste names and markers are symbols that denote an individual’s caste identity. These markers can be explicit, such as the wearing of specific colours, symbols, or accessories, or implicit, such as behaviours and practices that indicate caste affiliation. In Tamil Nadu, students often use these markers to signify their caste pride and identity, leading to division and discrimination within educational settings.

Examples of such markers include coloured wristbands, hair ribbons, bindis (vermillion marks), and specific types of clothing. Each colour combination or accessory is associated with a particular caste. For instance, red and yellow wristbands might be worn by members of the Thevar caste, while blue and green might be indicative of the Nadar caste. These markers serve as a visual representation of caste identity and are often used to assert dominance or superiority over other castes.

Caste names and markers perpetuate the social hierarchy by constantly reminding individuals of their position within the caste system. This reinforcement leads to the normalization of discrimination and inequality.

When students use caste markers such as coloured wristbands, hair ribbons, or specific types of clothing, it visibly segregates them into different groups. This visual division can foster an environment of “us vs. them,” promoting inter-caste rivalry. The use of caste markers often goes hand-in-hand with behaviours that assert dominance or superiority of one caste over another. This in turn manifests in bullying, physical violence, and other forms of social exclusion. Caste markers hinder the development of a cohesive and inclusive community within schools.

Recommendations to eliminate caste names and markers

The recommendations provided aim to address and mitigate caste-based discrimination and foster an inclusive, equitable, and non-discriminatory environment in educational institutions. The proposed measures span various aspects of the educational system, from administrative reforms and teacher training to curriculum changes and student conduct regulations. The ultimate goal is to eradicate caste-based prejudices and promote social justice, aligning with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of a constantly evolving society that embraces change and revises old standards for the greater good.

Given the dangers posed by caste names and markers, the One-Man Committee headed by Justice K. Chandru recommended their elimination to foster a more inclusive and equitable educational environment. The key recommendations include:

1. Administrative orders to remove caste identifiers:
Government and private schools should be directed to remove caste prefixes or suffixes from their names. This step aims to eliminate any formal recognition of caste within the school’s identity, setting a precedent for inclusivity.

2. Prohibition of caste markers among students:
Schools should implement strict regulations prohibiting students from wearing or displaying caste-related symbols, such as specific colours of wristbands, hair ribbons, or bindis. This measure seeks to reduce visible indicators of caste that can lead to division and discrimination.

3. Confidentiality of caste information:
Policies should be put in place to maintain the confidentiality of students’ caste backgrounds. By doing so, schools can prevent caste-based segregation and ensure that all students are treated equally regardless of their caste.

4. Promoting social justice and equality:
Educational curricula should be revised to include lessons on social justice, equality, and non-discrimination. This education can help students understand the negative impacts of caste discrimination and foster a culture of mutual respect and inclusion.

5. Implementation of a code of conduct:
Establishing a Code of Conduct for both students and teachers that explicitly prohibits caste-based discrimination and behaviours is crucial. This code should include consequences for violations to ensure compliance and accountability.

Other recommendations given by the committee

1. Teacher and officer regulations
Periodic transfers of teachers and officers were recommended to prevent dominance by any single caste in specific areas. Guidelines should ensure that high-ranking education officers do not belong to the dominant caste of their area. The Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) should consider candidates’ attitudes toward social justice during recruitment, and a statutorily prescribed Code of Conduct for teachers and staff should be introduced. Annual orientation programs on social issues and laws pertaining to discrimination should also be mandatory.

2. Unified control of schools
Bringing all types of schools under the unified control of the School Education Department was another key recommendation. This policy seeks to streamline administration and ensure uniform standards across all schools. A committee of high-level officers may be necessary to oversee this transition and resolve issues related to the service conditions of teachers.

3. Teacher training and curriculum changes
Revising the B.Ed. syllabus and the Diploma in Elementary Education to focus on inclusivity was recommended. An expert committee should review school syllabi to eliminate incorrect views and promote social justice values. Establishing a Social Justice Monitoring Committee to oversee curriculum changes related to social justice issues is also suggested. 

4. Mobile phone restrictions and Ara Neri classes
Prohibiting the use of mobile phones by students in school campuses to minimize distractions and introducing compulsory Ara Neri classes from Class 6 to Class 12, focusing on social justice, equality, and non-discrimination, were suggested. A guide should be prepared to ensure the effective delivery of these concepts. 

5. Appointment of counsellors and school welfare officers
Appointing trained counsellors for each Block and School Welfare Officers (SWOs) for larger schools was proposed to address issues such as ragging, drug abuse, and caste discrimination. These officers should monitor school activities, conduct orientation programs, and report directly to a State-level Monitoring Committee.

6. Grievance mechanisms and reservation policies
Establishing a dedicated grievance box managed by the SWO, with strict confidentiality, was recommended. Ensuring reservation of seats in higher secondary classes for Scheduled Caste students to pursue science subjects was also proposed. Expanding the National Service Scheme (NSS) to include students from 9th to 12th grade and establishing a Social Justice Students Force (SJSF) are additional measures aimed at promoting social justice. 

7. Centralized kitchens and use of school properties
Creating Block-level central kitchens for school meal programs, with proper staffing and distribution networks, was recommended to improve efficiency and support disaster relief efforts. Regulations should be introduced to prevent the use of school properties for non-educational purposes, particularly for activities that propagate communal or caste-related messages. 

8. Addressing caste atrocities and promoting communal harmony
The state government should assess areas prone to caste atrocities and take preventive measures. A Special Intelligence Unit should be constituted to gather information on caste violence. An expert body should investigate allegations of saffronisation of education. Finally, the government should take appropriate steps at the societal level to eradicate caste discrimination and promote communal harmony.

The need for the committee: context and background

The One-Man Committee was established following a series of disturbing incidents that highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to caste-based discrimination in schools. In August 2023, the brutal attack on two Dalit children in Nanguneri by a group of six minors brought to light the severity of caste-based violence in educational settings.

The Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF) conducted a study across 441 schools, revealing widespread caste-based violence and discrimination. The study, which covered government, government-aided, and private schools, found that caste-based discrimination was prevalent among students and, alarmingly, propagated by some teachers.

Findings of the study conducted by Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF)

In 25 schools across various districts, caste violence among students was reported. Students openly expressed casteist sentiments, formed groups based on their caste, and used specific colours of kerchiefs, bindis, threads, and stickers to indicate their caste. The study identified 34 types of caste-symbolic indications used by students.

Dalit students were made to wash the school’s toilets, a task not assigned to students of other castes, in 15 schools. In six schools, students were segregated into separate lines based on caste to receive their mid-day meals, and in four schools, dining rooms were segregated by caste. Such practices humiliate Dalit students and reinforce caste hierarchies among young minds.

The study found that caste-based discrimination extended to teachers in at least three schools. Teacher’s actively propagated caste-based discrimination in classrooms, refused to touch Dalit students, and subjected them to excessive punishment. In Madurai, a school cancelled the felicitation function for Class 12 toppers because the top two rank holders were Dalits, further illustrating deep-seated prejudices among educators.

A case in Nanguneri town involved a 17-year-old Dalit boy from the Paraiyar caste who was nearly hacked to death by three of his Thevar caste classmates. This attack followed years of bullying and was triggered by a complaint the victim had lodged about the harassment he faced. The attackers, showing no remorse, took turns assaulting the boy with a billhook in a planned and brutal manner. Despite the victim’s and his mother’s efforts to seek help from the school administration, no action was taken, leading to the brutal attack. This incident is a stark example of how caste-based bullying can escalate into life-threatening violence.

These harrowing examples expose the urgency of implementing the One-Man Committee’s recommendations. The brutal attack in Nanguneri and the pervasiveness of caste discrimination documented by the TNUEF study demonstrate the devastating impact on students’ well-being and educational opportunities. Ignoring these issues allows a culture of fear and prejudice to fester, jeopardizing the safety and hindering the potential of Dalit students. Implementing the Committee’s recommendations – from eliminating caste markers to fostering social justice through education – is not just about fostering a more inclusive environment, it’s about safeguarding the fundamental right to education and preventing violence. It’s a critical step towards a future where Tamil Nadu’s schools empower all students, regardless of caste, to reach their full potential.

Long term goals of the one-man committee

There are three long term goals that have been outlined in the report submitted.

First, is the enactment of special legislation in Tamil Nadu to enforce a policy of social inclusion and eradicate caste discrimination across all educational levels? This legislation should impose duties and responsibilities on students, teaching and non-teaching staff, and management. It should include mechanisms for supervision, control, and sanctions for non-compliance.

Second, is to enhance the control of local bodies over primary education. This involves granting full authority to block-level administrations (Panchayat Unions) over the management of primary schools, including appointing, posting, and removing staff. To facilitate this transition, the government should formulate new legislation granting true autonomous powers to local bodies. This may require amending the existing Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act of 1994. By providing local bodies with full control over primary education, the government can create a more people-oriented education system that is better aligned with the needs and aspirations of local communities.

Third, is to amend the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, to prevent caste appellations in the names of educational institutions. This amendment would ensure that societies intending to start educational institutions do not include caste-based identifiers in their names.

Conclusion

The One-Man Committee’s recommendations offer a roadmap for dismantling caste-based discrimination in Tamil Nadu’s schools. By eliminating caste markers, revising curriculums, and fostering social justice principles, the proposed measures aim to create a truly inclusive educational environment.

The success of these recommendations’ hinges on effective implementation and a societal shift towards recognizing the inherent equality of all individuals. Eradicating caste-based discrimination requires a multi-pronged approach addressing educational practices, teacher mind-sets, and broader social norms.

If implemented effectively, the One-Man Committee’s vision can pave the way for a future where Tamil Nadu’s schools become bastions of learning, opportunity, and social justice for all students, regardless of caste.

The report of the committee can be read below:

Related:

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Caste Discrimination and Related Laws in India

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UP: Dalit School Teacher Alleges Discrimination by Principal & Upper-caste Teachers

Caste Struggle and Colonialism dropped from NCERT school textbooks

The post Dismantling caste in education: Tamil Nadu’s attempt at tackling discrimination appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The top five states include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and others. Uttar Pradesh (13,146 cases) reported the highest number of cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) at about 25.82%, which is followed by Rajasthan with 14.7% (7,524) and Madhya Pradesh with 14.1% (7,214) during 2021. The next two states in the list include Bihar accounting for 11.4% (5,842) and Odisha 4.5% (2,327). 

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

A young Dalit student was assaulted and sexually abused at the Banaras Hindu University. According to Hate Detectors’ X page, an FIR has been filed in the case. As per the Mooknayak, the student has sent a written complaint to the Lanka Police Station in connection with police demanding action and has stated that he will leave the university if no action is taken.

In #UttarPradesh‘s #Varanasi, a #Dalit student, resident of #Ahmedabad, #Gujarat, currently pursuing masters from #BHU, Varanasi was allegedly abused, assaulted and attempts of unnatural sex by pulling off his pant was made on him in the university hostel by two suspects on March… pic.twitter.com/kswRdrbbPP

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) April 1, 2024

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi also saw the death of a 40-year-old sanitation worker from the Dalit community. The man, Ghurelal, died after inhaling toxic and poisonous gases while cleaning a sewer. The death took place at Bhaisapur Ghat in Adampura village. The incident reportedly took place after a complaint about a sewage blockage had taken place, as per the Mooknayak. The outlet reported that over the last 5 years, 400 sanitation workers have died on accidents related to work in sewage systems. While on the job, Ghurelal and a colleague Sunil, went into the sewage after which Sunil emerged from the pit speaking about the presence of poisonous gases. Ghurelal could not return to consciousness even when the medical team arrived and rescued him from the pit. A similar incident had taken place in Tamil Nadu, where two Dalit men died of cleaning a sewage tank.

Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh

A Dalit woman was beaten to death after her goat strayed into a field. The owner of the field had beaten her with a stick after shouting abuses at her. The woman can be seen being beaten brutally in a video that has come up of the incident.

The local police have reportedly started an investigation.

Salem, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu’s Salem was shocked by violence after members of the Adi Dravidar community, a scheduled caste in the state, were denied entry into a temple on May 2nd during festivities.

The denial of entry to the Mariaman temple at Deevattipatti by the Vanniyar community, which is designated as Most-Backward Caste, led to a violent clash with stone pelting between the two groups. Although major violence has subsided in recent days, sporadic incidents of stone throwing continue, prompting a significant police presence in the area to prevent further escalation.

According to a senior police officer, local police stations have been instructed to monitor purchases of knives and sickles, even for domestic use. In Salem District, shops selling such items have been directed to record the phone numbers and identity card details of buyers. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by MP Thol Thirumavalam has decided to take a protest march in the area on May 8.

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The post Student, sanitation worker, farmer: Dalit lives across society unsafe appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The overhead tank was a storage facility for potable drinking water for the local residents. The 10,000-litre capacity tank had been erected in a colony of the Sangam Viduthi Panchayat in 2014.

In the aftermath of the incident, as per the New Indian Express, the district administration organised a medical camp o at Guruvandan Street in Sangam Viduthi to help residents who reported feeling unwell after consuming contaminated water.

The area, as per reports, is mostly inhabited by members of the Adi Dravidar community. It houses about 35 Dalit families and five higher caste Hindu families. PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) Founder Doctor S Ramadoss said the contamination was inhumane. He has also called for urgent action on the issue.

An inspection was conducted by officials who were accompanied by Panchayat President Perumal, when Revenue Inspector Priyadharshini, and VAO Subha, Commissioner Periyasamy inspected the water source and confirmed the presence of cow dung. An investigation is to follow as the Commissioner had reportedly instructed officials to gather water samples for testing and initiate an investigation into the incident.

Assuring the local residents, the commissioner has promised strict action against those responsible for the contamination. Subsequently, as per reports there have been arrangements made to supply water from a neighbouring village’s reservoir to supply the   affected communities with drinking water after the water tank was cleaned with bleach and not permitted to be used for storing drinking water.

As per The Hindu, senior medical official Aranthangi Depuy Director of Health Namasivayam had also visited the colony after the incident. According to a Times of India report, the village vice-president Shanthi Karthikeyan has urged the authorities to arrest the culprit at the soonest.

The incident is similar to the horrifying incident from December 2022 when the drinking water of local Dalit residents was contaminated with human faeces in Vengaiyvayal village of Tamil Nadu. The issue was discovered only after three children were hospitalised after they had drunk the contaminated water. The incident has rocked the state, with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin even commenting that the fact that the incident took place points toward the persistence of caste discrimination and untouchability in some pockets of society.

Untouchability seems to be firmly entrenched within society across India. Recently, Sabrang India covered how a Dalit boy from Rajasthan was beaten and his family was verbally abused after he accidentally touched the bucket of an upper caste man when he tried to go drink water from a hand pump. Thereby the question of purity and pollution continues to persist despite the legal abolition of untouchability in 1955. This notion of purity and pollution thereby continues to be a source of violence to the Dalits and also serves to prevent their access to basic amenities. For instance, Karnataka recently witnessed reports of Dalit residents of a colony asserting that they were denied water by the village administrators due to their caste.

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The post Cow dung dumped in potable water tank used by Dalit residents appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In two of these incidents, Dalit students were the victims while in the third incident, an elderly Dalit woman had to suffer brutal physical abuse after her goats strayed into the field of another. These incidents of violence have sparked an uproar amongst people.

These caste-based incidents of violence underscore the persistent discrimination and violence faced by Dalits in the state of Uttar Pradesh, currently being ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party government. One should also note that the state of Uttar Pradesh has continuously topped the NCRB list of states where anti-Dalit instances are prevalent. After these three incidents, we have also provided an overview of the anti-Dalit incidents that have emerged in the state since the beginning of the current year.

Anti-Dalit Crimes (March 26-April 3, 2024)

Assault of minor Dalit student:

On April 2, reports of a minor Dalit student being beaten up for not touching the feet of the teacher emerged. As per a report of The Mooknayak, in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, a Class VI Dalit student was beaten up by the teacher at a government primary school, namely Murarpur Primary School, for not touching his feet. It had been alleged that the teacher also used caste-related slurs while physically abusing the minor child. Notably, the teacher, Ravi Shankar Pandey, beat the student for not touching his feet as a mark of respect.

The report states that a case has been filed against the accused teacher in the Uruva police station of ​​Gorakhpur district under the Scheduled Caste-Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act and other related sections in the assault case. The complaint in the present matter had been made by the family members of the minor victim.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jitendra Kumar stated to The Mooknayak that a case has been registered based on the complaint and the police is investigating. Action will be taken on the basis of investigation and evidence. It is essential to note that the accused teacher has reportedly been absconding since the incident.

Assault of Dalit elderly woman:

On March 31, a video showing a man beating up a woman with a stick started doing rounds on social media. The abuser can be seen brutally thrashing and slapping the woman. It is also essential to highlight here that the abuser can be heard hurling casteist slurs at her. The video had been uploaded on the ‘X’ profile of The Dalit Voice and can be accessed below.

#Horrible A 60-year-old Dalit woman was brutally beaten after her goat strayed into a field. The owner of the field beat the woman with a stick and hurled abuses at her. The incident happened in UP’s Bulandshahar… pic.twitter.com/Mj2p5IB0hM

— The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) March 31, 2024

As per a report in the Siasat, the woman in the video is a Dalit woman of 60. As provided in the report, she was subjected to brutality when her goat accidentally strayed into the latter’s fields. The incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahar region.

As per the media report, the state police have registered a case into the incident under the SC/ST Act and has assured of strict action against the abuser.

Bullet injuries to minor Dalit student:

On March 26, a clash was reported to have taken place between two groups in Silai Baragaon village in Milak area over the installation of a hoarding with a picture of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. As per a report in the Siasat, during the said conflict, a 17-year-old Dalit boy named Sumesh Kumar received bullet injuries. These injuries ultimately led to his death. It is essential to note that the minor deceased child was returning home after writing his Class 10 examination.

Uttar Pradesh and increasing caste-based violence:

As per the ‘Crime in India, 2022’ report published by the National Crime Records Bureau, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, atrocities against Dalits increased manifold in 2022 from the previous years. The report, which also provides the state-wise data of Dalit atrocities, also depicted that the state of Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of atrocities. As per the report, a total of 15,368 cases of crimes against Dalits were reported in 2022. It is essential to note that the figures of Uttar Pradesh accounts for roughly 28% of the crimes committed against Dalit from all over the country as a total 57,428 crimes were reported to have been committed against Dalits in 2022.

It is essential to highlight here that with 15,368 total cases having been registered in the state, bringing the daily tally of atrocity cases to 40.

Anti-Dalit atrocities reported from Uttar Pradesh since 2024:

In the beginning of January, a 25-year-old Dalit woman found raped and strangled allegedly at the hands of a 27-year-old police constable, who is now identified as Raghvendra Singh, in Agra. The victim’s dead body was recovered from the room the constable had rented, hanging from the ceiling of Singh’s room.

A separate incident was reported after the Republic Day function at Sardar Singh Inter College in Narauli town, two students reportedly assaulted and beat up a Dalit student who had finished his speech on Dr BR Ambedkar with the chant ‘Jai Bhim-Jai Bharat’. The said incident was reported from Narauli area of UP.

Another horrifying incident of violence against woman was also reported from UP’s Baghpat area in the same month with an 18-year-old Dalit woman being pushed into a cauldron of scalding hot oil. It is essential to note that she was protesting sexual harassment that she had faced when the owner of the oil mill she was working work at pushed her into the cauldron with the help of two other people.

In March, a brutal incident of Dalit atrocity was reported from Muzaffarnagar district in western Uttar Pradesh. As per the report of The Mooknayak, a 21-year-old Dalit man was allegedly beaten to death after being held hostage over a “love affair” in the Khatauli block of. The police had identified the victim as Ankit. Ankit was allegedly having an affair with a 30-year-old married woman belonging to the same village but of a different caste. The deceased was beaten to death after being held hostage.

Congress slams UP government, calls the state an “anti-Dalit haven”:

In December 2023, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had termed the NCRB report to be BJP’s “black letter”, depicting the unsafety that surrounds the marginalised community of. Kharge also added that injustice, atrocities, and repression are part of the BJP’s decade-long agenda of dividing society.

After the aforementioned three cases of caste-based atrocities came to light, Congress national general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that Uttar Pradesh had become a “haven for lawlessness and anti-Dalit hate crime.” Attacking the Yogi Adityanath BJP-state government, Ramesh coined the ruling government to be a ‘double anyay’ sarkar. As per a report of Siasat, Ramesh said “In this Anyay-kaal, the only real slogan that the BJP adheres to is Sabka soshan, Sabka utpeedan (everyone’s exploitation, atrocities on everyone)”.

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The post Three incidents of violence against Dalits since March 26, two against minors, one against elderly woman appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The accused not only subjected the groom to physical assault and slurs but also stated that horse-riding was reserved only for members of their own group according to the complaint. The first man was reportedly joined by three more people who joined in the verbal abuse and threats against the victim. As a result of this violence, the groom was forced to abandon the traditional horse ride and instead use for a car to reach the bride’s house for their wedding.

The four people have been identified as Sailesh Thakore, Jayesh Thakore, Samir Thakore, and Ashwin Thakore. They all belong to the OBC section, and have been arrested by the authorities. The charges filed against them include sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult), 114 (abettor present when offence committed), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The Dalit community forms about 17 %of the nation’s population yet as per statistics by the NCRB from 2020, India has witnessed a crime against Dalits with one incident taking place at every 10 minutes. This statistic reveals the persistent challenges of casteism faced by the Dalit community.

Sanjay Chavda, the person who filed the complaint spoke to Deccan Herald stating that, “The wedding procession had just started when the assault happened. We were humiliated so much that I can describe. Ultimately, we had to take the groom in the car to the bride’s house. We also called up the police who came and the ceremony was performed.”

According to The Wire, Deputy Superintendent of Police Gandhinagar Kalol Division Praveen Manwar has stated to the media that the ‘clash’ was reported over loud music, “When a wedding procession in Chadasana village of Mansa went with a DJ sound system, three people from the village opposed it, resulting in a clash with two parties. The clash began over the issue of playing the DJ sound, and then there was a dispute over the issue of sitting on the horse.”

Dalits are routinely assaulted in certain parts of India if they ride horses. In 2024, a Dalit groom had to ride a horse for his wedding celebrations under police protection in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district. The relative of the groom a day before the wedding had gone to the local police station requesting for police protection for part where his nephew would ride a horse at the wedding. The groom stated that he climbed the horse, ‘despite fear,’ according to Two Circles.

Similarly, in Rajasthan, where such similar instances have taken place earlier, government officials have had to run special drives to encourage Dalit grooms to ride horses in one district named Bundi. The district police official in Bundi who started the program told the Washington in 2022 Post that ‘laws are not enough. We have to change the mindset.’ The programme has as of 2022 facilitated 15 Dalit grooms in safely riding a horse during their weddings. Even the state government, as per the report, has recognised the efforts of the programme. 

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Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

A struggle goes for Dalit dignity in the village of Thenmudiyanur, nestled within the Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu as higher caste Hindus boycott a temple after Dalits were begun to be allowed in it. According to Frontline Magazine, Dalits were long excluded from the local temple. However, after demands and political pressure from the CPI (M) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the district administration granted access to the Dalits on January 30, 2023 the temple was closed. The temple’s priest, belonging to a backward caste, gave up his post. However, after a series of peace meetings, the temple reopened in August 2023, only to be boycotted by the higher caste community. A new temple has now been erected according to reports, where the higher caste Hindu communities are preparing to go to pray.

Bengaluru, Karnataka

In Karnataka’s Bengaluru, a Dalit professor named Ravi Bagi, has made allegations of caste discrimination against the National Education Society’s management following his transfer to a different college. Bagi, who is a teacher of Kannada has asserted that the institution’s management is being discriminatory against him and have reportedly “demoted” him even though for a year, he has been urging the college to furnish a letter supporting his PhD guideship to Bengaluru University. However, he has been transferred to teach pre-university students now, according to Hindustan Times.

The transfer has reportedly relocated Bagi from Basavanagudi National College, where he taught both undergraduate and postgraduate students, to Jayanagar National College where he will now be teaching pre-university students. According to the HT report, he has stated that he feels “marginalised”, “There have been no complaints regarding my competence or performance. Suddenly, the management has demoted me from teaching PG and UG to Pre University. I feel marginalised due to my Dalit identity.” 

Narauli, Uttar Pradesh

After the Republic Day function at Sardar Singh Inter College in Narauli town, two students reportedly assaulted and beat up a Dalit student who had finished his speech on Dr BR Ambedkar with the chant ‘Jai Bhim-Jai Bharat’. The victim has filed a complaint after which a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by the police. The police have stated that they are actively investigating the matter. The FIR was filed at Baniya Ther police station and it includes charges under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with relevant sections of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The incident highlights the importance of addressing and preventing discrimination within educational institutions. 

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9-year-old Dalit girl raped and murdered in Ghaziabad by 52-year-old landlord

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Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh

In UP’s Baghpat area, an 18-year-old Dalit woman was subjected to a horrifying act of violence, according to the Indian Express. According to the Indian Express, the woman had been protesting sexual harassment that she had faced. However, after she did this the owner of the oil mill where she would work came to her, along with two other people, and pushed her into a cauldron of scalding hot oil earlier this month. As her injuries were too severe, she had to be transferred immediately to a hospital in New Delhi. The police has thus far arrested three suspects and have invoked charges under the Indian Penal Code section 307 (attempt to murder) and other sections of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case was filed in response to a formal complaint filed by the woman’s brother, according to a report by the Indian Express.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

In Chennali, Tamil Nadu, an 18-year-old Dalit domestic worker has come forward with allegations of abuse, assault, and torture at the hands of a man named Antho Mathivanan, who is the son of DMK MLA I Karunanithi. The victim has submitted a complaint to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police detailing the torture and abuse she has reportedly undergone. In response, Chennai police have taken action by invoking the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the son and daughter-in-law of the DMK MLA.  The survivor also revealed that, despite the promise of a monthly salary of ₹16,000, she was only provided with ₹5000.  She was a NEET aspirant but due to her financial constraints, she was forced to work as a domestic worker.

Patna, Bihar

According to India Today, in the Hinduni Badhar region of Patna, Bihar, two Mahadalit minor girls kidnapped and brutally raped. One of the victims succumbed to her severe injuries, while the other is currently fighting for her life at AIIMS in Patna.

According to the families, both girls had gone out together one day as usual to collect cow dung cakes for fuel but as time went on, they failed to return home. A relative of one of the victims reported that locals discovered the lifeless body of one of the two missing children the following day after which the Phulwari Sharif police was informed.

According to the report, the sub-divisional police officer Vikram Sihag has stated, “Two minors went missing on Monday. Early on Tuesday morning, Phulwari Sharif police station received information on the missing girls, of which, one was found dead.” 

Bettiyah, Bihar

According to The Mooknayak, in Bihar’s Gopalganj area two Dalit women were reportedly assaulted for trying to get drinking water from a hand pump situated within the premises of a local temple. Following this, they were subjected to an assault and were subjected to humiliating caste slurs. The incident was brought to light by The Mooknayak, occurred in Dukhi Chhapar village on January 2nd. The report details that one morning, one Kishanavati Devi along with Sugandhi Devi, was going to a relative’s house when the need for water arose. The two women then went into the Bhaisahwa temple to find water. However, they were prevented by the temple’s caretaker Kariman Yadav, who hurled insults at the two of them.  In response to this act, both victims have filed a complaint under the SC/ST Act at the local police station.

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The post January 2024: Alarming surge in attacks targeting Dalit women appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The report reveals a grim picture of discrimination, ranging from assigning menial chores. There are about 15 schools where Dalit students have to do tasks like cleaning toilets or are being segregated by caste in queues during lunchtime. Furthermore, these discriminatory practices go beyond making these students perform chores and extract their labour. There is a significant lack of Dalit students reported to have less access to extracurricular activities and avenues for their academic growth.

Over three months, approximately 250 volunteers from the TNUEF conducted a survey over 664 students across 441 schools within the state. This study took place at 321 government schools, 58 government-aided schools, and 62 private schools. The sample included 644 students from different grade levels, providing a nuanced analysis of caste-based discrimination at various stages of a student’s educational journey. The organisation has furthermore issued an alert regarding the encroachment of Hindutva and caste-based extremist ideologies within the student community.

Instances of caste-based oppression manifest in various forms, both overt and subtle. These include the unjust denial of hostel accommodation to Dalit students, educators probing into the caste identities of their students, disproportionately harsh penalties imposed on Dalit students for minor transgressions, and the exclusion of Dalit students from engaging in arts festivals, among numerous other discriminatory practices.

Furthermore, the survey reveals that one school situated in the urban enclave of Madurai district opted to withhold recognition for academic achievers in the higher secondary examinations. This decision was due to the fact that the top two performing students happened to be from the Dalit community. Students from the Dalit community also face more punishments than other students. There were also several incidents where Dalit students were subjected to slurs.

Violence based on caste between students was also reported in 25 schools across districts like Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, Tenkasi, and Dindigul.

The report also highlights that caste identity is openly displayed in 33 schools. Students were wristbands, ‘dollar chains’’, handkerchiefs, bindis, threads and even stickers to display their caste within school. Teachers also do not seem to be spared where three schools, with two from Tiruvannamalai and one from Chennai, were identified as harbouring discriminatory practices among their teaching staff.

The TNUEF has submitted its finding to the Justice Chandru committee which is further preparing a report that aims to address caste related issues in students in educational institutes. The TNUEF has further called upon the Tamil Nadu government to release guidelines that would facilitate the teaching and learning of equality among students and promote social justice within educational institutions. Additionally, the organisation advocates for the establishment of counselling centres at the grassroots level to provide support to victims of discrimination and asked for the government to improve infrastructure at schools as well. The organisation has also further asked the government to ensure that a redressal mechanism for casteism also be instituted in these schools with the formation of committees with teachers, parents and students to address the issue. It has also asked teachers to undergo sensitisation programmes to equip them to deal with such issues and harbour a discrimination-free approach.

According to The NewsMinute, Samuvel Raja, TNUEF’s state general secretary, has told the government that if they don’t take proactive action the organisation will be forced to reveal the names of the schools where these instances were recorded.

In response to queries about the results of this survey, the school education department has reportedly stated that they are looking into mitigating these issues through various measures. A report by Times of India has claimed that the Justice Chandru report will be implemented through policy measures. Earlier in 2023, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had designated retired Madras High Court Justice Chandru to head a committee which would be tasked with providing guidance to the government on strategies to eradicate caste and racial disparities among students within educational institutions. This initiative comes after the brutal incident from Nanguneri, in Tirunelveli district, which took place in August 2023 where a group of students from a higher, intermediate caste attacked two school children from the Dalit community. The recent survey of schools by the TNUEF has been submitted to this Justice Chandru committee which is currently looking into the issue of casteism in educational institutes. Groups in Tamil Nadu are rallying to bring about concrete changes in policy to mitigate caste violence against Dalits in the state. Founded in 2008, TNUEF has been actively engaging in advocating for rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes over the past 15 years. Throughout this period, the organisation has taken up various issues pertaining to marginalised castes and raised it to the government. Thus, the TNUEF had similarly in August, 2023 observed the dull and slow response to the subsidy schemes for ST and SC people, highlighting the need for robust monitoring mechanisms. Addressing this concern, the front had introduced a proposed legislation and unveiled a draft law titled ‘Tamil Nadu Scheduled Castes Special Component Scheme and Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan Fund (Programme, Allocation, and Implementation) Act 2023.’

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