ONGOLE: Activists of the Kulavivaksha Vyathireka Porata Samithi (KVPS) staged a dharna in front of Prakasam Bhavan here on Wednesday. They were demanding that officials visit Dalitwadas at least one day a week to put an end to untouchability and caste discrimination continuing in many villages even today. They also demanded that Dalits be provided minimum facilities like drinking water, power, individual lavatories, ration cards, house-sites, etc.

They submitted a memorandum to District Revenue Officer Rama Rao listing demands such as distribution of banjar and endowment lands available among Dalits and earmarking at least 15 per cent of the funds allotted by the State and Central governments under Special Component plan for the benefit of Dalits. They pointed out that landlords had occupied the land allotted to Dalits for burial ground purpose in several villages. They should be evicted and the land should be fenced and protected.

Leather parks

They also demanded that the Government start four leather industrial parks to provide employment to Dalits. They said the last day of every month should be observed as human rights day. They wanted the Government to implement the recommendations of the Justice Punnaiah Commission.

KVPS State president, J. John Wesley and district leaders -- Thavanam Chanchaia and A. Malyadri -- led the agitation.

They said the KVPS had conducted a survey in 383 villages spread over 29 mandals in the district to study social and economic problems faced by Dalits. They found two-glass system continuing in 24 villages and discrimination at public wells and tanks in 29 villages.

At the receiving end

Dalits are not allowed to sit at the village square or near the bus stop in 136 villages. There is no temple entry for them in 130 villages. Barbers refused to render service to them. Students refuse to partake the mid-day meal if cooks belong to the Dalit community. Dalits are paid less wage or they are paid in kind. Social boycott continues in many villages.

Drinking water problem was noticed in 103 Dalitwadas. There is no power supply to 140 Dalitwadas. No toilets were provided in 383 villages. Farmers belonging to upper castes occupied 11,000 acres of land in 153 villages. Dalits are not given land in some cases.

Wherever they were given pattas, they were not given possession of land. Dalits are denied land even though 1.5 lakh acres of banjar land is available in the district, they complained.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail