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Dalit christians and reservation Sir, This was reference to letter "Dalit Christians and Reservation" DE (25/11/98) by Shri B.L. Kachroo. I do not agree with the author of the letter that no body would like to change his religion unless his mind is corrupt by false promises or he himself wanted to get rid of such restriction as are strictly applied in his own religion. He is perhaps unaware of the backgrounds behind conversions having taken place in India. In his letter he himself has stated that during times of Mahatama Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar, the persons belonging to scheduled castes and those of socially and economically backward classes (now called Dalits) were afraid of disclosing their identity at public places or in social gatherings because of untouchability being in its prime in those days. In fact the position was otherwise, they themselves did not mix on such occasions with the fear of maltreatment, humiliation and even got punished by the upper castes Hindus. I remember an incident of my childhood when a Head Master of High School in a village of Kathua District was severely beaten in full view of students and staff and no body came to his rescue. His guilt was only that he belonged to a Harijan family (Chamar) and kept sitting in his chair in office room when a upper caste Hindu visited him for admission of his child. The poor headmaster thereafter managed his transfer to some where else. He might not be aware of the news of thrashing of a Harijan youth by the upper caste people in a village of Rajasthan on 3.11.98 for chewing pan in their presence as published in Hindustan Times of 4.11.98. Such incidents take place even now-a-days also often in rural India. There may be people who changed their religion for certain financial gains or high positions in the Durbar of Muslim/Mugal rulers and even in British times but their number is too small. Most of conversions in India have taken place due to rigid approach and inhuman behaviour of upper class Hindus towards untouchable classes. The untouchables were not permitted to draw water from the same wells or same ghat of the pond, wherefrom upper caste operate, allowed to sit on the same desk/mat with the wards of upper classes in the school or visit places of worship etc. by the caste Hindus. All these factors contributed for adoption of religion other than own by these down trodden sections of the society. It is admitted fact that Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar have made earnest efforts for the social and economic uplift of the scheduled castes and backward community. It was due to their efforts that untouchability was abolished and its practice in any form was forbidden by law or enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability declared an offence punishable in accordance with law as per Article 17 of the constitution of India. Subsequently the untouchability Act of 1955 was also enacted, by the Parliament. Despite all these constitutional provisions and laws enacted the untouchability still exists. No earnest efforts have been made to enforce laws effectively rather it was exploited by the political parties for achieving their political ambitions or strengthening their vote bank. The Dalit Christians or Muslim watals in our State are in fact convert Hindu scavangers, who are still socially discriminated being involved in the manual removal of night soil. They are the most down trodden section of society. They deserved to be treated at par atleast with the scheduled castes/ tribes and similarly provided reservations in Govt. jobs, Education, trainings, loans and school/other scholarships and also in legislatures. There is no definition of scheduled caste in the constitution itself but the President is empowered to draw up such a list in consultation with the Governor of the State. Recently the President of India in consultation of State Govt. declared Gujjars/Bakarwals as scheduled tribes. Similar action is needed in the case of Dalit Christians. The Govt. should take initiative in this regard and prove her bonafides for economic and social uplift of downtrodden people. Yours etc.......... |
