PRO RESERVATION FRONT

2006-08-15T02:14:00.000-07:00

Socio-Economic and Educational Status of
Scheduled Caste Origin Christians of North West India

By Mr. M. Madhu Chandra
Human Rights Activist,
Email: finicy@gmail.com

Introduction:

This short summary on Socio-Economic and Educational Status of Scheduled Caste Origin Christians of North West India is prepared for the purpose of submitting to National Commission of Religious and Linguistic Minority (NCRLM), known as Justice Misra Commission headed by Justine Ranganath Misra as Commission Chairman. Supreme Court of India has asked NCRLM to give its opinion about granting Scheduled Caste status to Scheduled Caste origins converted to Christians.

This summary is also attempted to clarify the incorrect, bias, irrelevant Data presented by Centre for Research, Planning and Actions (CERPA) during one day workshop organized by CERPA on Social-Economic and Educational Status of Christians on August 10, 2006 at India International Centre, New Delhi.

Solid and reliable national data on socio-economic and educational status of scheduled caste origins converted to Christians is not available, which can be presented to Justice Misra Commission. However, mosaic forms of data on socio-economic and educational status of scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity is available.

This summary is to proof that scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity remains the same socio-economic and educational backwardness. They are known socially by their caste names, suffer social injustice just as they suffer before their conversion to Christianity. The data presented below is the reference to the work of Vidya Sagar J. Dogar’s work on Rural Christian Community in North West India in 2001 under initiation of The Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, New Delhi[1]

To study the socio-economic and educational status of scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity, Mr. Dogar selected sample population of 3869[2] individuals from 750 families who are from 550 rural families of Punjab, 100 rural families of Haryana, 50 rural families of Himachal Pradesh and 50 rural families of Jammu and Kashmir from 80 villages from 15 districts from above mentioned 4 North Western states of India.[3] The sample collected by Dogar is academically acceptable and credential.

1. Background History of the Demand of Scheduled Caste Status of Scheduled Caste Origins Converted to Christianity

In the framing of Indian Constitution, Para 3 of Article 341 denies scheduled caste status to any scheduled caste belonging to other faith and religion different from Hinduism. Scheduled caste Sikhs after four years of struggle got back the scheduled caste status in 1956 when Para 3 of Article 341 was amended by including scheduled caste origins converted to Sikhism. Scheduled caste origins converted to Buddhism also got after forty years of denial and struggle in 1990 when Para 3 of Article 341 was second time amended by including scheduled caste origins converted to Buddhism.

Scheduled caste origins converted to any other faith and religions different from Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, have been denied their birth, fundamental and constitutional rights of scheduled caste citizens.

Scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity have been denied their birth and constitutional rights for last 60 years. After repeated assurance given from political and commission after commissions’ recommendation to include scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity, finally it has come to knock the door of Indian justice system. Now Indian justice system has setup Justice Misra Commission and asked Commission to give the opinion on granting scheduled caste status to scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity. 17.5 millions Scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity have looked up to Justice Misra Commission to render the justice that has been denied for last 60 years.

2. Scheduled Caste Origin Christian representations in North West Indian Population

Total Christian population in four states of North West India (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir) represents only 3,47,977 according 2001 census of India. In breaking them up, Punjab has 2,92,800, Haryana 27,185, Jammu Kashmir 20,299 and Himachal Pradesh 7,687.[4]

Mr. Dogar’s finding of Christians in four north western states reveals 95% of them are from Scheduled caste origins, which is in figure 3,30,572. Dogar says, “Thus about 95 percent of these conversions are recorded to be from the lower castes of the Indian society, which are now addressed as Dalits.”[5]

Dogar’s finding from sample population collected for study reveals that 17.43% of Scheduled Caste origin Christians are from fifth generation, 67.71% from fourth generation, 8% from third generation, 4.43% from second generation and only 2.43% from first generation.[6] The presence of 2.43% of first generation Christian suggests new converts.

3. Employment and Economic Status of Scheduled Caste Origin Christians in North West India

The general occupation of Scheduled caste communities in India is the labor class community. So is the same even after their conversion to any other religion particularly to Christianity. Employment Pattern is related to the economical status of Scheduled Caste Origin Christians.

3.1. Employment Status

30.16% of Scheduled caste origin Christians is employed in labor class. The labor employment is classified into two patterns: One – 72.41% employed as laborers and two – 27.59% in other occupations and jobs.[7]

Labor Patterns of Scheduled Caste Origins Christians

Sr. Labor Patterns Percentage
1. Seasonal farm labors 14.08%
2. Night soil labors 11.48%
3. Bonded labors 05.09%
4. Child labors 02.49%
5. Casual labors (daily hire basis) 47.93%
6. Migrant brick-kin labors 05.44%
7. Public road construction labors 00.83%
8. Grain market labors 04.85%
9. Rural handicraft labors 01.66%
10. Skilled labors 06.15%
Table 1[8]

Table 1 shows the labors patterns of 72.41% of labor forces while 27.59% in other occupations and small jobs.

3.2. Economic Status

Dogar selected 1268 working labors to study the economical status of scheduled caste origin Christians. Table 2 reveals their economic status.

Labor Patterns of Scheduled Caste Origins Christians

Sr. Family Patterns Amount per annum Percentage

1. Family incomes up to Rs. 5000 per annum 03.57%
2. Family incomes up to Rs. 10,000 per annum 42.14%
3. Family incomes up to Rs. 15,000 per annum 24.29%
4. Family incomes up to Rs. 20,000 per annum 12.14%
5. Family incomes up to Rs. 25,000 per annum 17.14%
6. Family incomes above Rs. 25,000 per annum 00.71%
Table 2[9]

The table 2 shows that (category 1+2), that is, 45.71% scheduled caste origin Christians in North West India are below poverty line. The remaining families though low income can be considered above the poverty line while only 00.71% falls in a comfortable income group which is very low in percentage.

3.3. Land Possessions of Schedule Caste Origin Christians

Dogar’s study also reveals the total agriculture land in possession of Christians recorded as per the study is 199 acres. Dogar writes,

“Accordingly the per-capita agriculture land of Christian comes to 0.051 acre which is nearly 200 square yard, whereas the per capital agriculture land holding in Punjab as per the state figures is 0.50 acre, that is, 2000 square yards. Thus as per the state calculations, the Christians who have a population of about 2.50 lacs, should possess more than one hundred thousand acres of agriculture land. But there are only 10.43 percent of Christians who possess agriculture land, out of which 7.86 percent hold land only upto 3 acres, 1.29 percent hold land upto 5 acres, 1.14 percent hold land up to 10 acres, and 0.14 percent hold land upto 20 acres.[10]

Dogar also found that only 0.30% Christians hold commercial land which varies from 2 to 10 marlas, while 99.57% of Christians do not hold any commercial land.[11]

3.4. Live-stock Possessions of Schedule Caste Origin Christians

Dogar found out from his study that 54% of Christians own upto 1 or 2 cattle heads, 2.29% Christians own upto 3 cattle which indicates only domestic use. Only 1.14% Christians possess up to 5 cattle head and 0.71% possesses more than five cattle which can be considered of some commercial value. The remaining 41.86% Christians do not possess any live-stock.[12]

4. Educational Status of Scheduled Caste Origin Christians in North West India

The education among the scheduled caste origin Christian of North West India has declined during the period of 1960 to 1990. Dogar points out.[13]

Decade wise Education Level of Christians

1960s E. Y Campbell’s, “The Church in Punjab,” (estimated) 20%
1970s Maqbul Caleb’s, “Survey of Amritsar Diocese,” (estimated) 20%
1980s Diocese of Chandigarh, CNI, CDP Survey (8 villages) 15%
1990s Present study figure, as recorded below… 10%
Table 3[14]

Dogar’s finding reveals the following data on scheduled caste origin Christians, which suggest their educational backwardness remains the same even after converting to Christianity.

Overall Education Profile of Rural Christians

Sr. Category Total Male Percentage Female Percentage
1. Educated 10.00% 266 07.00% 134 03.00%
2. Literate 36.00% 856 22.00% 533 14.00%
3. Illiterate 54.00% 967 25.00% 1113 29.00%
Table 4[15]

Table 4 is statistical analysis of scheduled caste origin Christians of North West India, where only 10% of the sample population taken for study reveals as educated. This finding reveals the educational backwardness of scheduled caste origin Christians and their educational backwardness remains the same like any other scheduled caste communities of any religions.

Table 5 classified the 10% educated categories into educational qualifications, where 55% of them are just matriculation.

Sr. Class Total Total % Male % Female %
1. Matric 222 55.50% 40.50% 15.00%
2. +1, +2 & Under Graduate 97 24.25% 14.25% 10.10%
3. BA, B Sc, B Com 23 05.75% 03.75% 02.00%
4. MA, M Sc, M Com 1 00.25% 00.25% 00.00%
5. Junior Professional 19 04.75% 02.00% 02.75%
6. Senior Professional 3 00.75% 00.50% 00.25%
7. Under Training 35 08.75% 05.25% 03.50%
Table 5[16]

5. Social Status of Scheduled Caste Origin Christians of North West India

Dogar has studied the social status of scheduled caste origin Christian on the basis of their physical and social environment in which they live, their relational behavior and mingling with other communities. Dogar finds out,

A specific question was asked, as to ‘whether they have access to the houses of the other communities?’ 95.43 percent says ‘yes’ they have access to the houses of other communities’, 3.71 percent say ‘no’ and 0.86 percent do not comment. Out of the 95.43 percent who say that they have access to the houses of other communities, 42.96 percent reveal that they have access only up to working place, 5.24 percent say that their access is only up to the court yard, 15.42 percent say up to the veranda, 30.84 percent say that they can go up to the sitting room and 5.54 percent claim that they can go up to the kitchen.[17]

In supporting to Dogar’s statement, allowing low caste people upto kitchen can be the sign of accepting the person in their social setup. Only 5.54% access to the kitchen of other communities and 94.46% not allowed entering the kitchens of other caste and communities suggest that scheduled caste origin Christians still suffer social discrimination like other low caste communities.

Social Status of Scheduled Caste Origin Christians

Sr. Status Number Percentage
1. Very high social status 0 00.00%
2. High social status 0 00.00%
3. Moderate social status 212 30.71%
4. Low social status 457 65.29%
5. Very low social status 28 04.00%
Table 6[18]

Table 6 reveals Dogar finding of social status of scheduled caste origin Christians. Categories (4+5) of low and very low social status reveal 69.29% while only 30.71% feel moderate social status.

6. Conclusion

Ever since India got independent scheduled caste origin Christians have been demanding to restore the scheduled caste status which is deleted from Para 3 of Article 341 of India Constitution. Political party after parties, commission after commissions know for sure that scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity remain the same socio-economic and educational backwardness as any of scheduled caste communities of other religions.

Now scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity, after 60 years of social injustice by denying constitutional provisions, have come to knock at the door of Indian Justice System.

Dogar’s work on social-economic and educational status of scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity has substantiate data analysis which has academic credential to prove the socio-economic and educational backwardness of scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity in four North Western states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir.

Therefore, Justice Misra Commission and other consultative institutions which have been asked by Justice Misra Commission to study the socio-economic and educational status of scheduled origins converted to Christianity must accept the work of Dogar.

Dogar’s work is also reliable on the subject Justice Misra Commission is seeking because sufficient population of scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity is found in the North Western state of India where Dogar has taken the study, does reflect National socio-economic and educational status of scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity.

Therefore I recommend the Justice Ranganath Misra Commission and other consultative institutions that the commission has asked to study, to consider taking into the account of socio-economic and educational status of scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity, collected Christian scholars like Dogar himself.

The Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society (CISRS) has also conducted similar study for other states. CISRS says, the similar socio-economic and educational status of scheduled caste origins converted to Christianity are found out in the southern states of Karnataka and Kerala.[19]

Foot Notes

[1] Vidya Sagar J. Dogar, Rural Christian Community in North West India, ISPCK, New Delhi, 2001.
[2] Ibid., p.55.
[3] Ibid., p.49.
[4] http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/Summary%20Christians.pdf
[5] Dogar, op.cit., p. 55.
[6] Ibid., p.54.
[7] Ibid., p.68
[8] Ibid., pp.70-76.
[9] Ibid., p. 85.
[10] Ibid., p.89
[11] Ibid.,
[12] Ibid.,
[13] Ibid., p.101.
[14] Ibid.,
[15] Ibid., p.102
[16] Ibid.,
[17] Ibid., pp.141-142
[18] Ibid., p.146
[19] Ibid., p. xi.

Reservation Day Declared and celebrated

2006-08-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations
H.O: B-113, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi – 17. Tel 26960022, 26534559

www.scstconfederation.com

Dr. Udit Raj – National Chairman
President – Indian Justice Party

Press Release

Reservation Day Declared and celebrated

New Delhi: August 7, 2006.

In a jampacked Talkatora Stadium, on the occasion of Reservation Day, Dr. Udit Raj today stated that former Prime Minister Shri V. P. Singh could have been honored like this long before what we are doing today. He stated that forces of social justice and progressive leaders like V. P. Singh former Prime Minister of India, A. B. Bardhan of CPI, Raj Babbar – MP and founder leader of Jan Morcha, Dr. Joseph D’souza – President of All India Christian Council and many more have all come together to further the cause of social justice.

All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations and Indian Justice Party to make this day that is August 7 of each year as 'Reservation Day', the day of social justice when poor, deprived farmers and exploited come together and discuss their wretched conditions and devise ways to improve their conditions. Despite bad health of Shri V. P. Singh, he remained a crusader for poor, SC/STs, OBCs and JJ clusters.

The President of Indian Justice Party, Dr. Udit Raj, stated today that the Veerapa Moily Committee should be rejected. The Oversight Committee headed by him has recommended implementing reservation to OBCs in phases. Unfortunately, there are contradictions in Congress itself in so far as implementation of 27% reservation is concerned. However, HRD Minister, Arjun Singh's intention is clear that it should be implemented at one go. Dr. Udit Raj patted CPM, CPI and DMK for favoring the implementation of reservation at one go.

On 7th August, 1990, then Prime Minister, Shri V. P. Singh announced to implement the Mandal Commission Recommendations. The present reservation of 27 % is rooted in Mandal Commission. Dr. Udit Raj said that the Indian Justice Party will observe the Reservation Day on 7th August, every year. Former Prime Minister Shri V. P. Singh was honored on the occasion.

Dr. Joseph D’souza said in his speech, “Indian Dalits and Backward class communicates suffer social, political, economic injustice for centuries. They suffer injustice at the hands of Indian media power, Indian political power and those economic power holders. Only people who understand the plights of Indian Dalits and backward class communities can give justice to them.”

V. P. Singh in his concluding remark mentioned about Indian reservation system started way back with 3000 years old Hindu caste system. He says, “Designating education only to Brahmins, Ruling authority only to Kshetriyas, Trade only to Vaishyas, and labor only to Sudhras and Dalits.” Mr. Singh further said, “Injustice done to Indian Dalits and backward class communities are more a death penalties.”

People criticized V. P. Singh when he attempted to implement Reservation for backward class communities according to the recommendation of Mandal commission. Mr. Singh says, “Although my political leg was broken in 1990, the very ball I kicked scored the goal and the ball never came back and it is achieving its own goal.”

The All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations is fighting for reservation in private Sector, which Manmohan Singh govt. had promised it in Common Minimum Program but still it has not been fulfilled. There are other urgent issues, which Confederation will continue raising like backlog in govt. services and bringing out of Reservation Act.

Press Released to Media by,

Mr. M. Chandra, National Secretary, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations.

2006-07-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

Rahul Bajaj to continue opposing job reservation in pvt sector

New Delhi, Jul 27: The newly-elected Rajya member Rahul Bajaj today said he would continue to oppose compulsory job reservation in the private sector."My view is the same as those of the industrial chambers like CII, FICCI and Assocham, who are against compulsory reservation in the private sector," Bajaj told reporters here on the sidelines of the felicitation ceremony by Assocham.He said while the industry is playing a role in the uplift of socially-backward classes, forcing them to do so would be against its interest.He said, "our policy should be more focussed on providing education to all so that the very neccessity of the reservation policy is removed."

Arjun appoints PS Krishnan as adviser

2006-07-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

Arjun appoints PS Krishnan as adviser

[ 10 Jul, 2006 2128hrs ISTPTI ] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1725209.cms

NEW DELHI: With the reservation issue entangled in controversies, HRD Minister Arjun Singh has appointed a retired bureaucrat and an expert on the subject to advise him on the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in elite educational institutions.

PS Krishnan, a 1956 batch IAS officer who headed the Welfare Ministry at the time when Prime Minister VP Singh had announced in 1990 implementation of 27 per cent job reservation in government for OBCs, has been appointed as Honorary Adviser to the Minister to specifically advise on the reservation issue.

"My only condition to the government was take my advice and give a serious thought to it. Do not fix any price on it," said Krishnan, who had in 1979 signed the order appointing BP Mandal Commission which had recommended 27 per cent job reservation for OBCs in government. That had formed the basis for VP Singh's government's decision.

Claiming that nobody knew the issue better than him, he said that some critics to the OBC reservation in educational institutions write without knowing the "a, b, c of the subject and without reading the Mandal Commission recommendations".

Pro-reservation students hold rally in New Delhi

2006-07-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Pro-reservation students hold rally in New Delhi

Press Trust of India

June 8, 2006

Pro-quota students on Thursday held a rally in New Delhi demanding quick implementation of reservations for OBCs in higher education institutions.

"Reservations are necessary for providing a level-playing field for students of the backward community," Udit Raj, President, Indian Justice Party said addressing the gathering.

"The day there is equality in economic, political and social backgrounds of the student community, there will be no need for reservations," he added.

Representatives from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Nagpur University and Indian National Medical Association, the break-away faction of the Indian Medical Association, participated in the rally.

2006-07-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

V.P. Singh for referendum on quota

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: Cutting across party lines, political leaders on Sunday called for unity on the issue of reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

They urged the United Progressive Alliance Government to bring in legislation in the monsoon session of Parliament to implement the 93rd Constitutional Amendment, which provides for reservation to OBCs in institutions of higher education. There were subtle hints that if the policy was not implemented, the issue could become a rallying point for like-minded parties.

"No dilly-dallying"

The former Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, called for a national referendum on reservation, and said the 93rd Constitutional Amendment should be implemented in one go. "There should be a movement for referendum on reservation for [the] Scheduled Castes and [the] Scheduled Tribes and the OBCs in education, media, [the] private sector and [in] judiciary. Let the people decide. Let there be a vote on it. There should be no dilly-dallying on the issue," he said at a `National Seminar on Social Justice to the OBCs,' organised by the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).
Call for a movement

Mr. Singh, who implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations as Prime Minister in 1990, said it was more than 15 years since Mandal but in some States, the Backward Classes had not been given reservation. In some others, particularly in the north, Muslims had not been included. "Honesty has to be tested on this issue on the ground," he said, calling for a movement.

"Parties can be divided, movements are not."

Rejecting suggestions of implementing the policy in instalments, he said: "It should be dealt [with] in one surgery. Had I done the Mandal Commission in instalments, there would have been chaos and [a] bloodbath. I did it through a Government Order, and no one has been able to erase my signature from that order."

Judicial services

He said an All-India Judicial Services should be created, and there should be a public service examination.

On reservation in the private sector, he said no capital sector could exist without a social cause. "In higher education, there can be steps for doubling the seats, and schools could run double shifts, but that cannot be a pre-condition for accepting reservation."

Most leaders at the inaugural session, including S. Ramadoss (PMK), Sharad Yadav (Janata Dal-United), D. Raja (Communist Party of India) and Chhagan Bhujbal (Nationalist Congress Party), criticised the media `hype' over the recent agitation by medical students.

They also criticised the Sam Pitroda-led Knowledge Commission that had, by a majority vote, backed merit against reservation in higher education.

The leaders called for OBC reservation this year itself and endorsed a resolution moved at the seminar. Dr. Ramadoss urged the Government to declare 2006 as the `Year of Social Justice' and bring in legislation for this.

Referring to the debate on the population of Dalits and the OBCs, Mr. Yadav called for a caste census. It was a reality that society was based on caste. "You do away with the caste system, and we will take back our demand on reservation."

According to Mr. Raja, it was the duty of the Government to implement reservation and bring in an enabling law.

"This is not the policy of one party, but of Parliament. It is a transitory demand till we achieve the objective of education and employment for all. It is meant to give equal opportunities and access to every person. If you ignore this, it will lead to turmoil."

Criticising the private sector, Mr. Raja said the Government should withdraw concessions such as land, and tax holiday if it refused to implement reservation.

A model law on education should be brought out by the Centre for all States to consider.

Mr. Bhujbal said if the reservation policy was not implemented, it could become a rallying point for like-minded parties. Despite up to 70 per cent reservation in some southern States, they were ahead of those in the north, he said.

Letter Campaign for Dalit Christian Reservation

2006-06-27T01:11:00.000-07:00

Letter Campaign for Dalit Christian Reservation

June 27, 2006

Dear Dalit Bahujan Leaders,

This is special request to kindly help Dalits of other faith different than Hindu Dalits, Sikh Dalits and Buddhist Dalits.

The Supreme Court of India, once it convenes in July 2006 after its summer vacations, is expected to take up hearings on the writ petition seeking full SC rights for all Dalits irrespective of religion.

The government has asked the National Commission on Religious and Linguistic Minorities, otherwise called the Justice Rangnath Misra Commission, to look into the demand and give its opinion. This opinion will be presented before the Supreme Court

The Misra Commission has asked the Tata Consultancy to organize seminars on the subject. It has also asked the public to give its suggestions in the next few weeks. Earlier it held public meeting sin many cities in various parts of the countries.

Major Christian groups have already given one round of testimony. Apparently that has not satisfied someone in the Commission.

This is perhaps because the RSS and its more than 100 daughter organisations have launched a massive counter campaign against Christians in general and Christians of Dalit origin in particular and are flooding the offices of the Misra Commission with their poisonous hate mail.

This is to request you, therefore, to kindly send your letters and documents to the Justice Misra Commission in support of the demand of Christians of Dalit origin, to get this marginalized group its fundamental rights so brutally snatched from it by the Presidential Order 1950.

The postal address is "Member Secretary, NCRLM, Gate 30, II Floor,Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium New Delhi 110003. The Email Id of member secretary is das_asha@yahoo.com

The Chairman's postal address is 31, Aurangazeb Road New Delhi 110001. The Commission's Email Id is: ncrlm2005@rediffmail.com.

Support us in our campaign for Christians of Dalit origin by sending email to the commission.Sample letter is printed on back of this letter. Kindly print it in your official letter head and send to the address given as your earliest. Thank you
Yours sincerely,

Rev. M. Madhu Chandra
Regional Secretary

__________________________________________________________

Please Use your Organisation/church letter head
Sample letter to Justice Shri Ranganath Misra Commission

Date:

Justice Shri Ranganath Misra
Chairman
National Commission for Religious & Linguistic Minorities
Gate No 30, II Floor, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003

Sir,

Subject: Extension of Reservations to Dalit Christians.

We are glad that the Commission headed by you has been requested to examine the justification for specification of Dalit Christians as Scheduled Castes for the purpose of reservation. Kindly permit us to submit the following for your kind consideration.

In spite of various efforts made by the governments, caste discrimination and untouchability remain a major social concern specific to Indian Society.

Although they are Christians, the Christians of Scheduled Castes Origin live and work along with Hindu Dalits. The stigma of untouchability and social ostracism haunt them wherever they go and whatever they do.

Just because of being Christians, they are not spared from communal violence and abuse by upper and dominant caste communities. Nor are they treated equally by the upper caste Christians.

That they continue to suffer from the same socio economic disabilities and that the change of religion does not alter their socio-economic status have been established by various commissions appointed by the governments from time to time and also by the many rulings by the Supreme Court.

Moreover the discrimination against Dalit Christians based on the third para of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950 goes against many articles of the Constitution of India. It is discrimination on the basis of religion and it is sad to note that the violation is done by the State itself (Article 15)

It also goes against Freedom of Religion (Article 25). The Order forces the Dalits to remain in a particular religion, allured by the socio economic privileges and fear of losing the same if they dare to choose a religion of their choice.

The Dalit Christians, though they are Dalits, are deprived and denied of civil and legal safeguards and protection that are provided for Hindu Dalits under the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1976, Untouchability (Offences) Act 1955 and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. Thus they stand vulnerable to the abuses and attacks of the dominant castes, without any possibility of legal redressal as Dalits.

Besides, the Government has already amended the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order) 1950 twice: First in 1956 to include Dalit Sikhs and next in 1990 to include Dalit Buddhists in the Scheduled Castes.

The Government has already considered the demand of the Dalit Christians and prepared the draft amendment bill in 1996. The Statement of Objects and Reasons of Bill NO17 of 1996 says: "Converts to the Christian religion, who are of the Scheduled Castes origin, are precluded from the statutory benefits and safeguards accruing to members of the Scheduled Castes. Demands have been made from time to time for extending these benefits and safeguards to the Christians of the Scheduled Castes origin by granting them recognition as the Scheduled Castes on the ground that the change of religion has not altered their social and economic conditions. Upon due consideration of these demands, it is proposed to amend the relevant Constitution (Scheduled Cates) Orders to include the Christian converts from the Scheduled Castes as the Scheduled Castes therein, hence the Bill."

It is clear from the above statement that the government is asserting that the 'change of religion has not altered social and economic conditions' and that it has 'duly considered the demand and proposed to amend the Order' and the statement holds good even now when caste violence is so open and the number is on the increase. Hence we request you to kindly recommend to the Government to include the Christians of Scheduled Caste Origin in the Scheduled Castes and provide them the same status as their counterparts in Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

Name, Address and phone number

Congress committed to OBC quota, says APCC chief

2006-06-27T01:02:00.000-07:00

Congress committed to OBC quota, says APCC chief
Special Correspondent

http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/19/stories/2006061914820400.htm

Says stir on the issue in northern States reflects degeneration in politics

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president K. Keshava Rao has said that the recent anti-reservation stir in northern States reflects the degeneration in politics as the agitation targeted a Constitutional amendment by Parliament.

"How credible is such politics of upper castes?" he asked at a meeting organised by State BC Welfare Association here on Sunday.

Mr. Keshava Rao said that those opposing reservations expressed their anger in a manner that everything was over for the country by the 27 per cent quota for OBCs.

They made a hollow claim that merit was a casualty in the process. Merit could be judged only after students underwent courses. They should be evaluated on an even keel to know their worth, he said, adding that merit had no meaning before students joined a course.

The APCC chief maintained that Congress was committed to implementing the quota for OBCs.
The Government could increase seats for other castes to make up for their shortage owing to the implementation of the quota but the rule of reservation should be followed for the hiked seats as well.

BJP Secretary B. Dattatreya said that BCs could not expect justice unless they got political reservations. Association president R. Krishnaiah also spoke.

Majority of Indians want quota

2006-06-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

Majority of Indians want quota

CNN-IBN

CLASS APART: People believe quotas create equal opportunity in education.

New Delhi: The anti-quota protests dominated news headlines for weeks, but were they the representative of the real mood of the nation? A CNN-IBN and The Indian Express survey conducted by A C Nielsen on the issue has come up with some startling facts. nielsen The findings of the survey show that majority of Indians support reservations and feel that quotas in higher education will lead to equal opportunities.

According to the survey, 57 per cent Indians favour the Government's decision on 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher education. Only 37 per cent feel otherwise.

Majority of the respondents feel that reservations in higher education are a key to social justice. As many as 63 per cent of the respondents said that reservations in higher education will lead to equal opportunity as against 34 per cent who felt that it will lead to loss of quality.

The survey was done among 776 people in five metros in both rural and urban areas.

The sample for the survey was unique. It had 40 per cent OBCs, 25 per cent SC and ST; 10 per cent Muslims and 25 per cent from general category, a representation of the Indian population.
But there are many surprises as well. While supporting the reservations, the respondents were dismissive of the present system of quota. As many as 57 per cent of the respondents want a changed and improved reservation system for the SC/STs, while 26 per cent want no change.

But, 15 per cent of the respondents want reservations to be scrapped. But the real surprise—53 per cent OBCs want improved reservation policy while for SC/ST the number stands at 61 per cent.

Majority of the respondents want economics to be the main criterion for reservation. 67 per cent of the respondents support the view that poor of all castes should get reservation benefits, while 25 per cent supported reservations for backward castes only.

For all those politicians trying electoral politics in supporting or opposing the reservations, the survey has bad news.

The Government’s decision will not shift the voting pattern. 84 per cent respondents said no to any change in their voting, while only 12 per cent felt otherwise. But, among those who will be shifting, the UPA will be the major gainer with 52 per cent, with NDA second with 31 per cent.
With greater awareness this time, reservations have truly become a national issue with 79 per cent respondents aware of the controversy. And 61 per cent of the respondents were aware of the Government's decision in this regard.

A surprise of the survey: 52 per cent of the respondents had never heard about the Mandal Commission.

Upper castes dominate national media, says survey in Delhi

2006-06-06T00:15:00.000-07:00

Upper castes dominate national media, says survey in Delhi

http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/05/stories/2006060504981400.htm

"No Dalit or Adivasi among top 300 journalists"

# Hindu upper caste men hold 71 per cent of top jobs
# Muslims account for only three per cent among key decision-makers

New Delhi: In the first-ever statistical analysis of its kind, a survey of the social profile of more than 300 senior journalists in 37 Hindi and English newspapers and television channels in the capital has found that "Hindu upper caste men" -- who form eight per cent of the country's population -- hold 71 per cent of the top jobs in the national media.

Women, non-upper castes, and Muslims are grossly under-represented in relation to their share in the population.

The survey notes that Dalits and Adivasis "are conspicuous by their absence among the decision-makers. Not even one of the 315 key decision-makers belonged to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes."

The survey was designed and executed by Anil Chamaria, freelance journalist, Jitendra Kumar from the Media Study Group and Yogendra Yadav, senior fellow at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS).

If men and women are taken together, the share of upper caste Hindus or `dwijas' in the upper echelons of the media is 85 per cent. These castes account for 16 per cent of the national population.

Brahmins alone, the survey found, hold 49 per cent of the top jobs in national journalism. If non-`dwija' forward castes like Marathas, Patels, Jats and Reddys are added, the total forward caste share stands at 88 per cent.

In contrast, OBCs, who are estimated to constitute around 40 per cent of the population, account for an "abysmally low" four per cent of top media jobs. In the English print media, OBCs account for just one per cent of top jobs and in the Hindi print media eight per cent. Muslims too, the survey noted, are "severely under-represented in the national media": they account for only three per cent among the key decision makers in the national media, compared with 13.4 per cent in the country's population.

Muslims do better in the Hindi electronic media, forming six per cent of key decision-makers. In the English electronic media, the survey found there were no Muslims at the senior-most levels in Delhi. Christians, however, are proportionately represented in the media (mainly in the English media). Their share is about four per cent compared with their population share of 2.3 per cent.

Doubly disadvantaged sections of the population, such as women Other Backward Classes or backward caste Muslims and Christians, are nearly absent among the key decision-makers. The survey, for example, found that there was not a single OBC woman among the 315 journalists enumerated. Gender balance

When it comes to gender balance, the English electronic media does best, with women accounting for 32 per cent of the top jobs. Women account for 16 per cent of top editorial positions in the English print media and 14 per cent and 11 per cent in the Hindi print media and electronic media. Explaining the survey methodology, Yogendra Yadav said details of designation, age, religion, caste, gender, mother tongue, and domicile of up to a maximum of 10 key decision-makers from 37 `national' media organisations were collected on a standard pro-forma between May 30 and June 3, 2006. In most cases, the data were generated by journalists from within each newspaper or television channel being surveyed. But he cautioned that the data might still contain some errors.

JNU Students Union supports reservation

2006-06-03T01:53:00.000-07:00

JNU Students Union supports reservation

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Even as the relay hunger strike against the Central Government's decision to bring in reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in higher education continued at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) here, the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) has given a call to all pro-reservation groups to form a human chain at India Gate on Saturday in support of the reservation.

The JNUSU said it supported 27 per cent reservation for OBCs along with 54 per cent increase in the number of seats. It also called for an increased allocation for higher education.

Professors' support

Some professors of JNU as well as other institutions expressed their solidarity with the students who are on hunger strike.

A group of students from the Delhi University had alsogone to JNU on Thursday evening to support the cause of the students on strike.

A group of the JNU chapter of Youth for Equality (YFE) also visited slums along with some doctors to spread awareness about the reservation issue.

At the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the students, who had called off their strike on Wednesday night, met todiscuss ways to carry forward their agitation.

Tamil Nadu now clears 69 percent reservation for backwards in private educational institutions

2006-06-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

Tamil Nadu now clears 69 percent reservation for backwards in private educational institutions

Chennai: The stand-off between the Central Government and the medical community across the country over the reservation of seats for other backward classes may have whimpered out after 19 days, but this has not stopped the Tamil Nadu State Assembly from passing a Bill that now also grants 69 per cent reservation for weaker sections and backward classes in all private educational institutions andother establishments run by minorities.

A State Government notification said on Wednesday that the Bill's approval was done after "careful consideration of the population in the respective categories and the present stage of their advancement in education."

According to its provisions, backward classes will have 30 per cent reservation; most backward classes and denotified communities 20 per cent; Scheduled Castes 18 per cent and Scheduled Tribes one per cent.

Higher Education Minister K.Ponmudi said this decision had to be taken sooner than later.

The four South Indian States -- Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as well as in Maharashtra and Gujarat have had varying degrees of experience as far as the issue of reservations is concerned. The opposition to reservation of seats in jobs and in education institutions has been marginal or absolutely nil. The overwhelming opinion among the people in these States, and even in "excellence-pursuing" academic circles, supports the principle and practice of reservation. The system seems to have got so embedded in the education sector in almost all these States, that the reaction is notably balanced.

The concept of reservation in education for historically oppressed sections of society took roots in South India over a century ago, along with the freedom movement. That a number of initiatives associated with the freedom struggle in this region had their lineage in the social reform movement against caste discrimination.

This concept was first advanced by Tamil Nadu, where the social and political assertion of OBCs and other deprived sections led to the creation of the powerful Dravidian movement. Reservation in education and public service began in the Madras Presidency (much of it is now in Tamil Nadu) as early as 1831. The British Raj initiated this in response to petitions from various public groups. Over the next few decades the provisions of reservation were progressively redefined and modified, correcting anomalies and rationalising affirmative action.

The process continued after Independence too and successive governments under the leadership of Dravidian parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) introduced "rationalising" classifications like "economic scale" and Most Backward Castes (MBCs). The sum total of these measures was that reservation in the educational institutions in Tamil Nadu rose to 69 per cent, a figure commensurate with the total population of S.C.s, S.T.s, OBCs and MBCs in the State.

Tamil Nadu had 69 per cent reservation even before the Mandal Commission recommendations, promoting 27 per cent reservation for OBCs, were introduced at the national level. In this context, the Supreme Court came up with a stipulation seeking to limit reservation in educational institutions to 50 per cent. This order was a result of efforts by a number of anti-reservation organisations and individuals trying to bring down the reservation quota in Tamil Nadu. But the cumulative initiatives taken by various governments led by the Dravidian parties successfully resisted these counter-moves. The net result of all this is that since 1994, Tamil Nadu's 69 per cent reservation has the sanction of being part of the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution and hence is beyond judicial scrutiny.

Press Cut: Pro-quota medicos groups demands implementaiton of quota

2006-05-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

Pro-quota medicos groups demands implementaiton of quota

New Delhi, May 27 (PTI) Apprehending that the government may dilute the provision of reservations for SC, ST and OBCs, a pro-qota group of medicos demanded the implementation of reservation in "strict" terms and that the Prime Minister make the government's stand clear on the matter.

"Through the course of anti-reservation stir, Congress Party has been shifting its stance frequently with different ministers adopting different stances in public," the Medicos Forum For Equal Opportunities said.

"These development clearly indicate that the government is well on its way to greatly dilute the provision of reservations for SC, ST and OBCs," it said in a release.

The group alleged that there was a complicit support of the Left Front in the "mechanisations" of the government, demanding the Prime Minister and the Left front should make their stand clear with respect to the issues of implementation of reservations and the question of setting up of a commission to reiew the reservation policy.

Threatening of an all India coordinated movement of the pro-reservation doctors and progressive forces in the coming week, the forum demanded implementaion of quota for SC, STs and OBCs in the "strictest possible sense of the word" and equal opportunities for quality education for all.

It also demanded vast expansion of number of seats in educational institutions and jobs for all.

For the well being of AIIMS Patients, Dr. Udit Raj seeks permission for Dharna

2006-05-29T04:10:00.000-07:00

Dr. Udit Raj (Ram Raj) Member, National Integration Council (Govt. of India) National President, Indian Justice PartyNational Chairman, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations B-113, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi-110017Tel: 26960022, 26534559
www.pro-reservation-front.blogspot.com

Press Release

For the well being of AIIMS Patients, Dr. Udit Raj seeks permission for Dharna

New Delhi, 29th May, 2006.

Dr. Udit Raj, President of Indian Justice Party and Convenor of Arakshan Samarthak Mocha, has asked the director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences to grant permission to sit on Dharna with suffering AIIMS patients from 5th June, 06.

Dr. Udit Raj said that responsible citizens, students and social-political activists feel that the striking doctors are doing great injustice to the patients of AIIMS. The patients are being denied their fundamental rights, i.e., right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of Indian Constitution. Delhi High Court specifically in case of AIIMS and Supreme Court in other matters held that doctors can't go on strike. In addition Medical Council of India's instructions say, "No physician shall arbitrarily refuse treatment of a patient." This misconduct attracts disciplinary action against striking doctors. He said that the action of doctors sitting on the lawns of AIIMS against reservation for last so many weeks is illegal for various reasons; strikes by doctors have been held to be illegal by the High Court of Delhi. Strikes by employees of AIIMS and demonstrations in and around the vicinity of AIIMS have been totally banned by the High Court. Hence such a strike amounts to contempt of the Court Order; denial of medical treatment has been held to be denial of Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, by the Supreme Court; strikes by government employees have been held to be illegal by the Supreme Court. Government employees have no right to strike; the act of coercion of medical practitioners to join the strike is illegal because it constitutes inciting others to strike and is also a criminal act and striking work by doctors and neglecting patients by not extending medical services to them amounts to professional misconduct under the Code of Ethics Regulations, MCI.

Dr. Udit Raj said to his knowledge, in director's department, Dr. Venugopal, the Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS), doctors had never gone on strike because of his fear but this time they are leading the agitation. Isn't it because of his tacit support? When employees for their genuine sufferings in the past, went on strike, they were suspended. Why that yardstick is not applicable to these doctors? The director is frequently leading the striking doctors to the Prime Minister Office. It means that he is encouraging them and confusing PM Office to give new assurances that the matter will be reviewed and that further enthuses striking doctors to linger on the strike whereas the matter has been settled on the part of the govt.. AIIMS Doctors have met the Health Minister to end the strike but he did not show any inclination to sit with them and solve the problems. A written complaint has been also given to him by the doctors that they were not being allowed by striking doctors to carry out the duties but no action was initiated. There are very few doctors from AIIMS sitting on Dharna, it is outsiders who are giving life to this Dharna. Without AIIMS director's permission amenities like electricity, water and sweeping could have not been provided to striking doctors.

Dr. Udit Raj further said that the High Court in the AIIMS matter in 2001 directed all authorities - the Civil, Police, Delhi Administration and Health - in case it came to their notice that it was a matter warranting action for resolving any dispute - to take immediate action on an utmost priority basis so as to give no occasion for any dispute or any disruption or prejudice to the smooth functioning of the hospital.

He said that the responsible citizens seek director's permission to sit on Dharna along with suffering patients. This action is not only in conformity with article 21 of Indian Constitution but also strengthening the directions of the courts. When the director can allow illegal action on the AIIMS premise, why can't a Dharna for rightful cause be allowed?

(Sanjay Kumar),
Media In-charge

May 29, 2006

To,
The Director
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
New Delhi

Subject: Permission to sit on Dharna for the well being of patients
on the lawn of AIIMS from 5th June, 2006.

Sir,

The responsible citizens, students and social-political activists feel that patients are being denied their fundamental rights, i.e., right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of Indian Constitution. Delhi High Court specifically in case of AIIMS and Supreme Court in other matters held that doctors can’t go on strike. In addition Medical Council of India’s instructions say, “No physician shall arbitrarily refuse treatment of a patient.” This misconduct attracts disciplinary action against striking doctors. The action of doctors sitting on the lawns of AIIMS against reservation for last so many weeks is illegal for various reasons; strikes by doctors have been held to be illegal by the High Court of Delhi. Strikes by employees of AIIMS and demonstrations in and around the vicinity of AIIMS have been totally banned by the High Court. Hence such a strike amounts to contempt of the Court Order; denial of medical treatment has been held to be denial of Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, by the Supreme Court; strikes by government employees have been held to be illegal by the Supreme Court. Government employees have no right to strike; the act of coercion of medical practitioners to join the strike is illegal because it constitutes inciting others to strike and is also a criminal act and striking work by doctors and neglecting patients by not extending medical services to them amounts to professional misconduct under the Code of Ethics Regulations, MCI.

To my knowledge, in your department, the Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS), doctors had never gone on strike because of your fear but this time they are leading the agitation. Isn’t it because of your tacit support? When employees for their genuine sufferings in the past, went on strike, they were suspended. Why that yardstick is not applicable to these doctors? You are frequently leading the striking doctors to the Prime Minister Office. It means that you are encouraging them and confusing PM Office to give new assurances that the matter will be reviewed and that further enthuses striking doctors to linger on the strike whereas the matter has been settled on the part of the govt.. AIIMS Doctors have met the Health Minister to end the strike but you did not show any inclination to sit with them and solve the problems. A written complaint has been also given to you by the doctors that they were not being allowed by striking doctors to carry out the duties. There are very few doctors from AIIMS sitting on Dharna, it is outsiders who are giving life to this Dharna. Without your permission amenities like electricity, water and sweeping could have not been provided to striking doctors.

The High Court in the AIIMS matter in 2001 directed all authorities – the Civil, Police, Delhi Administration and Health – in case it came to their notice that it was a matter warranting action for resolving any dispute - to take immediate action on an utmost priority basis so as to give no occasion for any dispute or any disruption or prejudice to the smooth functioning of the hospital.

We, the responsible citizens, seek your permission to sit on Dharna along with suffering patients. This action is not only in conformity with article 21 of Indian Constitution but also strengthening the directions of the courts. When you can allow illegal action on the AIIMS premise, I am hopeful that you will allow my dharna without any hesitation.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,

(Udit Raj)

Cc.
1. The Prime Minister House, New Delhi, with request to take appropriate action.
2. The Health Minister, Govt. of India, New Delhi, with request to take appropriate action.
3. The Police Commissioner, Delhi Police, New Delhi, with request to take appropriate action as Delhi High Court direction is clear that police can take suomotto action.
4. The DCP, South Delhi, with request to take appropriate action, as Delhi High Court direction is clear that police can take suomotto action.
5. The SHO, Defence Colony, New Delhi, with request to take appropriate action, as Delhi High Court direction is clear that police can take suomotto action.

RESERVATIONS WILL ADD TO EFFICIENCY, CREATIVITY: GOVT. SHOULD NOT BACKTRACK: IMPLEMENT PAST POLICIES: CARE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS

2006-05-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Press Note/ May 21, 2006

RESERVATIONS WILL ADD TO EFFICIENCY, CREATIVITY: GOVT. SHOULD NOT BACKTRACK: IMPLEMENT PAST POLICIES: CARE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS

By Medha Patkar, Sanjay M.G., P. Chennaiah, and Sanjay Sangvai. Source from Indiathinkersnet.

The People's Movements all over India demand that the Union government must implement the constitutional amendment to reserve the seats for the other backward communities without any delay and see that all the earlier policies, decisions assurances regarding the affirmative actions in favour of the backward castes are implemented fully.

We condemn the deliberate lethargy on part of governments regarding implementing already approved policies of Mandal Commision recommendations. Even now, thousands of seats in educational and professional arena are not filled - rather they are made 'open' for want of 'suitable candidates' from the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes or backward classes. We demand that all the unfilled seats must be filed with the due representation of the concerned classes.

With this we make a strong plea for strengthening the common school policy, common technical and higher education policy and equipping them with quality education, resources and due attention. The newly introduced elitist streak in the higher technical education should be abolished. There should be common public institutions imparting finest quality technical and professional education. The privatization and coprporatization of education and highly technical profession must stop. They are being educated and employed on the basis of public spending. So they must follow the wishes of the people of this country. Therefore there should also be reservations for the backward classes in private enterprises.

For Efficiency and Creativity

The policy of reservations for the deprived classes in the higher and technical education and professions is an opportunity to add to the quality, creativity and efficiency in the educational and professional fields. The reservations must be seen not as 'doling out' something for the 'deprived classes', but it is mark of adding to the experiences, creativity and knowledge bases of various aspects in our public life. Over 70 percent of the workforce in the country is not just manual laborers; they come with their own intelligence, imaginativeness, innovations and resourcefulness. It would make our productive processes and economy varied and richer. Just look at U.S. and other countries where all sections of populations are brought in the vortex of education, sports and other professions. We have to be proud of the fact that we would be much richer nation with the participation of such brains in our social-economic activities in such a large and varied scale.

From all these angles, it is high time that the private institutions, industries and service sector also must be made to accept the reservation policy. These industries will have to be made aware that they operate in India, and they will have to follow the Indian Constitution and law. If they threaten to go outside India, let them go and we shall see whether they get such subsidized water, land, cheap labour, pliant state elsewhere in the world. These industrialists are not making any favor for the people; rather they exploit the people and resources of this country. In this connection, we also disapprove and will oppose the policies of creating 'special economic zones' (SEZ), where no India laws would be applicable.

Though we quite understand the apprehensions in the minds of the students and professionals from the general categories regarding the narrowing space for competition, that alone cannot be reason for opposing the reservations for the hitherto backward communities. The Union and concerned state governments should initiate the steps as to help the poor and deprived students and professionals in the general category.

The unemployment and narrowing down the space for more employment and educational opportunities is not due to the reservations of seats, but due to the neo-liberal political economy that the ruling class in India has adopted in collusion with the global capital. Even without the reservations, the employment and education opportunities in various jobs in India are being eroded and thousands of people are thrown out of existing jobs. We demand that the Union and state governments must end the embargo on the jobs in the public sector and should start thinking of creating more jobs.

We appeal to the agitating students and professionals not to hold reservations responsible for their anxiety and to understand the deeper economic crisis we all have been thrown. We also expect the supporters of the reservations to reason with the agitating students and take them along, caring for their sensitivities and interests. The young student and professional community must not be pitted against each other, who otherwise are the harbinger of the future changes and struggle in this country. We have to strengthen a united struggle against the common adversary in form of national and multinational corporate and imperialist vested interests.

Who made India Illiterate and Poor?

2006-05-25T01:02:00.000-07:00

Who made India Illiterate and Poor?
(A Critique at Medicos’ Anti-Reservation Protest Juncture)

By M. Madhu Chandra

Thought of questioning “who made India illiterate and poor?” came some times ago when I started looking into Indian sociological aspect but ample of desire to write it down became heavier when anti quota protest by medicos, IIT, and IIM students at Delhi and else where in India mounted up.

When somebody alleges someone who made him/her illiterate and poor, the world will mock at them but question on who made India illiterate and poor will have different answer.

Union Human Resource Development minister – Mr. Arjun Singh’s proposal to hike up 27% reservation for Others Backward Classes (OBC) in professional central educational institutions remained silent for first one week. The resistance from Medicos, IIT and IIM students generated by medico students of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi sparked when Indian Medias who holds the Brahmin IDs, went from college to colleges provoked the senses of upper caste medical students. The present coverage of anti quota movement in print and electronic Medias are clear visible of one sidedness.

The intensity of anti quota movement led by medicos spread to every corners has some thing connected to the question “who made India illiterate and poor!”

Indian Caste System holds the responsibility for making India illiterate.

“One cannot understand India without understanding the complete nature and scope of the caste system in Indian life. Caste considerations dominate people’s lives from birth to death. This understanding of the caste system and how it controls and regulates social, economic, political and religious life is absolutely essential to interpreting the Indian reality.” Dr. Joseph D’souza says.

India is literate country but made illiterate by upper caste literates. Indus civilization is known of its high intellectual among the world community but they are made illiterate after Aryan invention. Ramayana is famous known episode but written by Balmiki Ratnakar Dalit Hindu devote. But today majority of Balmiki communities are illiterate and do lowest activities like cleaning of human night waste from upper caste homes. "How the very pen once used to be in the hands of Balmiki became brooms?" will only remain amaze. Was it some thing done by upper caste on caste card?

Ever since Aryan invention to Indian soil around 1500 BC, Indian societies have been divided into four castes (color) – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Apart from the four castes, there is a fifth caste, known generally untouchables or Dalits; different names are given like Harijan (children of temple prostitutes), Balmiki, Chamar, Megs, and Lois Mashuhars etc.
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas constitute upper caste while Shudras and untouchables categorized as low caste and untouchables. Upper caste represents only 15% of Indian population while Shudras and Dalits represent 85% of Indian population.

Well articulated jobs descriptions are assigned accordingly to each caste. The educational beneficiaries are assigned only to Brahmins. Brahmins alone were to be educated and acquired all knowledge banks through all available educational systems. Educations are religiously, socially, politically denied to lower caste section of Indian societies.

Kshatriyas are assigned the post of authoritarian rulers of the nation under influence and instructive of Brahmins. Vaishyas are assigned to take hold of the market shares under the instructive of ruling caste of Kshatriyas with influences of Brahmin who generate knowledge from education. Shudras and untouchable Dalits are assigned to serve the upper caste in most degraded inhuman manners.

The denial of education to Dalits Bahujan (Dalit Majority) may not be true in 21st century but the manipulation of education crystal clear particularly scheduled tribes (Dalits). Denial of education to Dalits-Bahujans in past has affected the educational and economical condition of Dalit-Bahujan today. One days’ lost in education effect a week’s education, a weeks’ lost effects a month, a month’s lost effect a year, a year’s lost effect a carrier of a life, a carrier’s lost effect one generation. The same has happened to Dalit-Bahujan today.

Majority of Indian societies represent by Dalit-Bahujans remain illiterate is intentionally done to keep Indian majority illiterate by upper caste community. Deadness of medicos’ anti quota movement is another attempt to keep Indian Dalit-Bahujan illiterate forever and ever.

Enough charges have been given to Mr. Arjun Singh from left and right as attempt to divide Indian youth. There is no question of re-dividing the divided Indian society which Brahmins have setup. Quota proposed by Mr. Arjun will level the divided nations by providing special provision of reservation for weaker section of India society.

Indian Caste System holds the responsibility for making India poor.

Education denied by Brahmincal caste system to Dalit-Bahujan has affected today’s economical condition of Dalit-Bahujans. Education and Economic are two sides of the same coin. Economic generates education but it starts with education.

India is rich nation but made poor by rich upper caste desperately poor by accessing exceedingly assets. India in Brahmincal order has produced world’s recorded upper caste richest sons and daughters.

Caste system description to Vaishyas to hold of trade activities has denied Dalit-Bahujan’s economical development. Brahmincal caste system did not allow Dalit-Bahujan to hold trade as the trade was assigned only to Vaishyas. The earnings of Vaishyas benefited by Kshatriyas as tax returned back to them and Brahmin as they hold the temple treasuries. But Dalit-Bahujan remained only to be victims of caste discrimination at the hands of three upper castes.

Deadness of anti quota to OBC forces by upper caste medicos, IIT and IIM students is attempted once more to cease the possibility for Dalit-Bahujan to boost their intellectual and economical status.

Illiterate and Poor Indian Majority have only unused Power to meet their demand

While education and economic development of Dalit-Bahujan communities seems to be only means to ensure their future. But the education and economic are at monopoly hands of upper caste.

When, education and economic have been snatched away, only one possible mean to ensure the future of Dalit-Bahujans comes to every Indian Dalit-Bahujans during suffrage every fifth years.

Endnote:

Centuries old caste discrimination stories existed in India, which has directly or indirectly made Indian illiterate and poor has been kept hidden by Indian elites. Global communities have started asking why it has taken so long to hear India’s most discriminated inhuman episode. Globalizing Indian Dalit problem, although heavily accused by upper caste elites, will gain global sympathy.

Medicos, IIT and IIM students’ agitation against quota on the basis of equality and merit are clearly seen caste identity. Merit can/should not be only at the hands of upper caste, if should be shared with backward communities so that equality among upper and lower caste community will contribute toward making India shining.

Pro Reservation Front Gallaries

2006-05-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

(Planning Meeting of Pro Reservation Front leaders with Dalit-Bahujan Medicos)

(Pro Reservation Front protest at AIIMS. Leaders were arrested)

(JNU Dalit-Bahujan students hunger strike at Mantra Mantra, New Delhi)

(Pro Reservation Front' press conference at Press Club, New Delhi)

(Massive Pro Reservation Front rally at Jantra Mantra, New Delhi, May 9, 2006)

(National Level Pro Reservation Front planning meeting, New Delhi)

(Dr. John Dayal, Gen Secy of All India Christian Council with Sr. Mary Scaria - Supreme Court Advocate and Secy of Justice and Peace Commission of Delhi Diocese)

(Christian Communities of India symphathesing with Dalit Bahujan's struggle for Reservation)

(Dr. Udit Raj, President of Indian Justice Party and All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations with Rev. M. Chandra at Press interview at New Delhi)

(Dr. Udit Raj and Massive Pro Reservation Rally at New Delhi)

(Indian Justice Party at Pro Reservation Rally at New Delhi)

Pro-quota students stage rally

2006-05-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

Pro-quota students stage rally

HT CorrespondentAllahabad, May 23

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1704446,0015002500030001.htm

PRO-RESERVATION SUPPORTERS of Allahabad University (AU) staged a demonstration at Subhash crossing in Civil Lines here on Tuesday. The semi-draped students painted their bodies with pro-quota slogans.

The students were led by AU student union leader Dr Nirbhay Singh Patel and Ripusoodan Yadav.

Patel said the demonstration was a warning to the Central government and said no reservation for OBCs in higher education would deprive them of opportunities in the future. He said students would take to the streets if their demands were not considered.

Yadav said pro-quota students were ready for an intense struggle and demanded 52 per cent reservation for OBCs according to their population.

Zia Kaunain Rizvi demanded action against doctors opposing reservation and hampering medical services. Several other student leaders said reservation was their fundamental right and they could go to any extent to get it.

Munna Singh Yadav, Ram Chandra Yadav, Chandrika Patel, Santlal Verma, Sudish Gaur and Sushil Gaekwad were present.

Meanwhile, AU students led by AUU president Ajit Yadav joined the pro-reservation rally in front of the Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday.

27% OBC quota to be implemented: UPA, Left

2006-05-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

27% OBC quota to be implemented: UPA, Left

NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (PTI)

http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=387181

The UPA coordination committee and the Left Parties tonight decided to implement the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institution in letter and spirit.

"The percentage of reservation for OBCs will be fixed at 27 per cent. Legislation for this purpose will be brought in Parliament in the monsoon session." Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after a three-hour meeting. Mukherjee said that after the law is passed by arliament, reservation for OBCs will be implemented in central education institutions from the academic session commencing from June 2007.

Mukherjee said that keeping in view the interests of all sections of the students community and to meet their aspirations for opportunities for higher education, the number of seats in educational institutions under the purview of the central government will be increased.

A resolution to this effect was adopted at the meeting of the UPA Coordination Committee and Left parties.

12 doctors attacked by Times of India Staff in Patna

2006-05-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Not satisfied with thier biased and castiest coverage of teh reservation debate, not satified with instigating protests and spreading hatred, the Times of India again exposed its truely violent and bloodthirsty nature.

On Friday 19 May, 12 women doctors were brutally attacked by Times of India staff. They were protesting the castist nature of the Times of India outside its Patna offices. They were lathi charged and resisted the police aggression. Not content with the police violence, the staff cornered 12 doctors who had been seperated from the main protest by the lathi charge. They surrounded them and thrashed them brutally. It this was not enough their clothes were torn off and they were violently molested. Two of them are criticallly injured and all of them are still in shock.

This blatant aggression has to checked. The culprits must be punished and the the Times of India must be made to issue a national public apology. Its management is also responsible and cannot be let off.

We must stand in support of the doctors and ensure that massive public pressure is brought to bear on the governemnt to indict the Times of India and see that the injured doctors get justice.

Student's Campaign for Claim on Nation shall soon publish the detailed report of the violence along with the injured doctors testimonies.

What more do the upper castes want?

2006-05-23T01:29:00.000-07:00

The Rediff Interview/Udit Raj, Chairman, SC/ST Federation

http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/may/16inter2.htm

May 16, 2006

Dr Udit Raj (formerly Ram Raj) is the chairman of the All-India Confederation of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Federations.

In 2001 he embraced Buddhism. "Conversion is a rejection of

whatever caste stands for. It is a great walkout from Hinduism," says the man who is now a follower of Dr B R Ambedkar and supports conversion as "a healthy process."

In an interview to Managing Editor (National Affairs) Sheela Bhatt on the current anti-reservation movement favouring reservation for Other Backward Classes, Dr Raj spoke about why reservations are important for Indian society.

How do you see the vigorous protests of medical students against the reservation policy for OBCs?

I don't think it is very vigorous. Few medical students are doing it. In fact the media is helping them.

On May 2 and May 10, we had our agitation which was much more bigger but the media didn't report it or gave little coverage. This shows that the liberal voice in India is shrinking.

Unfortunately, the Indian Medical Association is also going on strike. On May 11 students and IMA protestors disrupted traffic at India Gate, New Delhi. We never do that. We restricted ourselves to the Jantar Mantar area assigned to us by the police.

It seems the doctors want to draw more attention. It shows the protestors' mindset. Medical students were protesting with brooms and trying to say that some (kind of) labour does not have dignity. Every labour has dignity. This is unbecoming of doctors.

If professionals like doctors behave like this it shows they are not interested in academics. The doctors' protest is illegal and against the spirit of the Constitution.

There is a background for their agitation. There is a big change in the law.

In the last winter session, Parliament amended the Constitution. It was the 93rd Constitutional amendment where Other Backward Classes have been given reservation in IITs, IIMs and universities.

On August 12, 2005 the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in the case of P A Inamdar & Others versus State of Maharashtra and others that the state can't impose its reservation policy on minority and non-minority unaided private colleges, including professional colleges and medical colleges.

My organisation, the Justice Party of India, Left parties and many others strongly protested at a huge public meeting. It was attended by leaders like (Janata Dal-United leader) Sharad Yadav, (Communist Party of India-Marxist MP) Nilotpal Basu and (Communist Party of India Secretary) D Raja.

We protested that we will not accept the Supreme Court judgment. Later, the 93rd Constitution Amendment was brought and passed unanimously by all the political parties except two members who abstained. The OBCs were given 27 per cent reservation but at that time nobody opposed it.

Why didn't the doctors oppose it then?

Because the media is playing a greater role now. When Arjun Singh gave a statement nobody opposed it for a week. But the media started going to campuses for stories and reactions. The media took up the role of agitators in this issue by opposing the government's move and the protests gained momentum before television cameras.

In Bangalore more than a lakh supporters of reservation came out on the streets but no television channel reported that. How do you explain it? Dalits and OBCs are coming together and supporting the government that is not taken as news.

What are your arguments for having quota in higher education even for OBCs?

First, wherever reservation is implemented in the southern states it is working well. In Mysore state in 1921, reservations were implemented. In Kolhapur state it was introduced in 1902. In Tamil Nadu reservations are up to 69 per cent but nowhere have you seen a law and order problem.

Two, in Tamil Nadu, the education standards and administration are not compromised. What these students are protesting about is the issue of merit. What is merit? They are talking about something that is achieved with the help of cramming, tutoring, support by public schools and knowledge of English.

India doesn't have to its credit in the international arena any great invention of modern times achieved by students in general categories. They get higher marks to get into big universities. But these big institutions don't think merit should also consist of patriotic feelings, hard work, honesty and a humble aptitude.

For our society these are not element of merit. Not many Dalits or OBCs have the money to fit the current merit criteria.

And just give me one answer: Why are these doctors not opposing the colleges who disregard merit and take money in form of capitation fees?

Why are they not opposed to the NRI quota?

Why are they not opposing those inferior students of private medical colleges who are rich? Is it not affecting the medical profession?

The medical students should call off their strike because it is not in the interest of the nation. The integration of society is more important than any other thing.

Reservation is the method to integrate society; it will take time but have patience.

Facts don't support the argument that it will integrate society.

Till the reservations were given, Dalits in Indian society were totally isolated. They were living on the outskirts of villages and were humiliated. But after reservations they are sitting side by side with the upper castes.

They are now in state assemblies and Parliament only because of reservations. How are you forgetting that? Similarly, the OBCs will gain now. Although it will shrink the privileges of the Dalits for the sake of justice we the Dalits want reservations for OBCs!

Reservation serves the purpose of social harmony.

If quotas are introduced now, eventually there will be reverse discrimination. How will it bring about social harmony?

For long, in many places 70 per cent to 80 per cent seats were open in the general category. The upper castes were using it. Right? Now they have been given 50 per cent of the total seats whereas the upper caste population is just 15 per cent. I think that is good enough. What more do the upper castes want?

It is a good deal that 15 per cent of India's population has 50 per cent of the seats. Do you want India's majority on the streets agitating against this 15 per cent? What do you want us to do? Do you want the majority population initiating the demand that let reservation be given on the basis of the proportion of the population of each caste?

Whatever reservation now exists for the Dalits and tribals is not filled up by them? OBC reservation may also remain underutilised.

Blame it on the mindset of the upper castes. Many Dalit medical students are suffering because during internal assessment, they become victim of biases. The Dalit student's identity is known and the supervisor knows he is poor in English and that creates a bias.

Only in India are Indians victims because of their lack of knowledge of English. It is not just lack of sophistication, it is the mindset of the upper castes that is a hurdle in filling up posts.

Why don't you understand that (Human Resources Development Minister)Arjun Singh's action and politicians' support to him is nothing but vote bank politics?

They will have to support reservation otherwise a majority of India will throw them away in the coming elections.

Even if politicians don't support reservations from their hearts electoral equations are such that they have no option.

The agitators must understand the combination of Indian society and where they stand! They should part with the pie of cake they have!

Pro Reservation Front - Press Release May 22, 2006

2006-05-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

B-113, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi-110017, Tel. : 26960022, Telefax : 26534559
www.pro-reservation.front.blogspot.com, delhiprf@gmail.com

Press Release
Massive Dharna staged at Jantar-Mantar in favour of reservation. If implemented in phases, govt. to face big rally

New Delhi, 22nd May, 2006.

The convenor of Arakshan Samarthak Morcha, Dr. Udit Raj, in his statement said that today's dharna was in response to anti-reservationists. It seems that govt. has started dithering from its commitment. We will not accept less than what has been the spirit of 93rd Constitutional amendment, which entails that 27% reservation, shall be provided to the OBC's in IITs, IIMs and Universities. The group of ministers is trying to dilute while recommending it to implement in phases. If that is going to happen, Arakshan Samarthak Morcha will hold a massive rally at Ramlila Ground, New Delhi.

Besides Dr. Udit Raj, the other constituents of Arakshan Samarthak Morcha - Satya Prakash and K. C. Yadav of Yadav Mahasabha, Kesari Singh Gurjar of Kisan Manch, Madhu Chandra of All India Christian Council, Babu Singh of Dehat Morcha, Rakesh Rafique of Yua Bharat, Pro. P.C. Patanjali of Backward Claseses Vikas Manch, J. C. Gola of Prajapati Mahasabha, Kanwar Pal of Haryana Dalit Backward Mahasangh, Lalji Chaurasia of Chaurasia Samaj, Ram Sharan Bhati of Gurjar Mahasabha, Shyam Sunder Sen of Sen Samaj, Ram Kishan Chhaleria of Khatik Welfare Emp. Asscn., V. P. Nagar of A. I. Backward Classes Confederation unequivocally demanded that reservation meant for OBC should be implemented in toto. Kamal Ashraf of United Muslim Morcha supported demand. The Doctors from AIIMS, Ram Manohar Lohiya Hospital, Lady Hardinge, Maulana Azad Medical College and Loknayak Jaiprakash Hospital also participated in the Dharna.

As per court direction, agitation and strike are banned on AIIMS premises, however, due to tacit support of Director, Mr. P. Venugopal, doctors are sitting on Dharna in lawn of AIIMS. The govt. was urged to remove him with immediate effect. When leaders and workers of Arakshan Samarthak Morcha wanted to sit on Dharna on 17th May, 2006, they were not allowed, rather police arrested and detained. Double standard on the part of the authorities are also highly condemnable.

Anti-reservationist doctors say that reservation will dilute merit. If at all they are concerned about it, why didn't they oppose the NRI quota and admission against capitation fee. Their argument about merit is demolished the moment the examples of all four states of South India are cited. Health index is higher in Tamilnadu where reservation is up to 69%. The reason is that OBC and SC/ST doctors and engineers after completing the studies, prefer to work in their native places. Most of the products of AIIMS and IITs from so called upper castes always try to run away from the country in order to earn dollar money.

Dr. Udit Raj said that for the first time 'show cause notices' issued to the doctors have been burnt collectively and publicly and that has brought down the authority of Health Minister in public estimation. If Health Minister, Dr. Ambumani Ramdos, is not in a position to deal with the situation firmly, he should rather relinquish the post. All those who addressed the Dharna, favoured to have a massive rally at Ramlila Ground, New Delhi.

Release by Mr. M. Chandra, Media Incharge, Pro Reservation Front, New Delhi

Pro-reservation demonstration held before Raj Bhavan

2006-05-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=385085

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 15 (PTI)

Amidst countrywide protests against reservation for OBCs in elite educational institutions, a pro-reservation demonstration was organised in front of the Raj Bhavan here today.
The demonstration was organised under the banner of Social Justice Movement led by its President Ashok Das.

Former Union Minister and President of the newly-formed Orissa Mukti Morcha Bhajaman Behera, President of the state unit of Samajwadi Party Baishnab Parida, former MP Anchal Das and former MLA Sura Sethi also joined the demonstration.

A five-member delegation led by Ashok Das later submitted a memorandum addressed to Governor Rameswar Thakur which hailed the UPA government's move to provide reservation for OBCs in elite educational institutions.

"It (the reservation) is a right and timely decision and we, the backward class people wholeheartedly stand by this", it said.

The memorandum also urged the Governor to prevail upon the government to make law for reservation in the private sector as employment opportunities were "very few".

PRO RESERVATION FRONT formed

2006-05-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Pro Reservation Front
B-113, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi-110017, Tel. : 26960022, Telefax : 26534559
Dr. Udit Raj - Convenor
Press Release

Public Meeting on 10th May to shun the anti-reservationists and to demand reservation for OBC, dismantle of Knowledge Commission

New Delhi, 9th May, 2006.
The Convenor of Arakshan Samarthak Morcha (Pro Reservation Front), Dr. Udit Raj, informed that a massive public meeting would be held at Jantar-Mantar on 10th May, 06 to rebuff anti-reservationists and to build the pressure on the govt. to implement reservation for OBC in IIT, IIM and universities.

Progressive, dalit and backward organisations, with strong public backing at a meeting on 5th May, formed Arakshan Samarthak Morcha (Pro Reservation Front) to give a befitting reply to a handful of people opposing the reservation policy. Dr. Udit Raj, President of Indian Justice and All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, was elected to lead the front. Satya Prakash and K. C. Yadav of Yadav Mahasabha, Kesari Singh Gurjar of Kisan Manch, Madhu Chandra of All India Christian Council, Babu Singh of Dehat Morcha, Rakesh Rafique of Yua Bharat, Pro. P.C. Patanjali of Backward Claseses Vikas Manch, J. C. Gola of Prajapati Mahasabha, Kanwar Pal of Haryana Dalit Backward Mahasangh, Lalji Chaurasia of Chaurasia Samaj, Ram Sharan Bhati of Gurjar Mahasabha, Vasudeo Yadav of OBC Railway Employees Fed., V. P. Nagar of A. I. Backward Classes Confederation and many such other organizations are its constituents.

Arakshan Samarthak Morcha has now decided to hold a grand rally at Jantar-Mantar on the 10th of May, 06, the day on which the Monsoon session of Parliament is due to begin to send a clear signal to the people who are opposing reservation that in the interest of social justice and harmony, they should stop their agitation immediately. The Pro Reservation Front strongly supports the govt. and Cabinet Minister, Shri Arjun Singh, for introducing 27% reservation in educational institutions for OBCs and urges that in case the govt. dithers on this issue, there will be nationwide protests and agitations in support of 27% reservation for OBCs.

Dr. Udit Raj pointed out that all talk of merit and high standards by a handful of anti-reservationists is just an expression of their self-interest. Still 50% of the seats are open for the general category students and they can show their merit and skills, if they so desire. It is a cheap gimmick on the part of doctors to have paraded themselves on the roads with 'brooms' in their hands this shows their mindset that 'sweeping' is not a respectable job and is meant for the people belonging to backward classes. Many of the students get admission into private medical and engineering colleges by paying huge capitation fees. Are these professions not adversely affected by this practice of capitation fees? If merit is the sole criterion the doctors should have protested against this practice.

The doctors claim to be fighting for all upper caste people but actually some self-centered people are fighting with ulterior motives. The upper class common people do not stand to gain anything from this agitation, which is meant to serve the interests of elite doctors.

Dr. Udit Raj said that the so-called Knowledge Commission is to be dismantled immediately and majority of its members are not connected to grass root reality - caste discrimination, problems of tribal and village society, however, they may be having bookish knowledge and plethora of references and that is not sufficient to lead such Commission.

(B. P. Singh)
Office Secretary

The Shame of Upper Caste India and the Furor over OBC Reservation in Institutes of Higher Learning

2006-05-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Truth is that upper caste India has enjoyed a perverse system of reservation for 3,000 years,

by Dr. Joseph D’souza

For the last couple of days I have watched with huge embarrassment the upper caste-led English media TV talk shows in India react to the proposal of India’s Union Ministry for Human Resources to give the Other Backward Castes (OBCs) reservation in the Central Government-aided institutions of higher learning such as the IITs, IIMs and other central universities.

I am deeply ashamed at the blindness of upper caste India as demonstrated by the talk show hosts and the majority upper caste studio audience members who seem to be completely out of touch with the realities of the social injustices and inequities meted out to the majority Dalit-Bahujan people by the oppressive and degrading caste system. Above all there seems to be a complete lack of the history of modern India vis-à-vis the caste system and a total ignorance of the works of Ambedkar, Phule and Periyar. It seems upper caste India wants to be socially ignorant, comfortable, secure and content in their modern, globalized, English-speaking enclave and let the rest of the caste-oppressed Indians be condemned in their own struggle for existence.

One Indian talk show host described the television audience within the studio as a representative sample of “middle class Indians”. But when pushed into the corner to mark out the identity of those English-speaking Indians in the studio, it was clear to those of us who were watching the show across the nation that the studio audience was 90% upper caste.

In another show, the OBC/Dalit minority audience in the studio staged a walk out because of the farce of the so-called “impartial middle class” India in the studio and the agenda of the show itself which heavily favored the majority audience in the studio.

What is English-speaking, middle class India if not a mainly upper caste India who are there because of opportunity, economics, power and freedom enjoyed by upper caste Indians for 3,000 years? The truth is that upper caste India has enjoyed a perverse system of reservation for 3,000 years through the enforcement of the caste system. The minority upper castes who make up just 17% of the population have usurped over 90% of all economic, educational, political, spiritual and social power in India for 3,000 years. Why not discuss that issue for five minutes in the talk shows? Or is it threatening to the very system that runs India? It is only now in a democratic India that some attempt is being made to redress this horrendous injustice.

Talk of meritocracy in this context is highly hypocritical. Meritocracy works where there has been a consistent level playing field for all over a consistent period. Do most of the Dalits and OBCs have the same level playing field and opportunities? How many Dalits and OBCs in the past 50 years have had access to the highly expensive private English-medium school education?

Why is upper caste India not bearing its shame in what has been done to the oppressed castes in India down through the centuries? Without this sharing of guilt and shame there will be no healing and reconciliation in India. The caste system will bitterly divide and bleed our India.

Why is upper caste India so blind? How can we walk the streets of India and fail to notice what our oppressive caste system has done to the country and her majority people? How can we ignore the oppression and poverty of our people? Is just economics the primary reason for this or is social injustice meted out by a degrading social system? Just look at the conditions of most Dalits whatever their religious affiliation. Are we not ashamed at all for the part we have played in their deplorable condition?

How can we deny that we are faced with two Indias? President Bush may cause us revel in an “India Shining”, but what about the “India in Darkness” which is present in our streets, slums, towns, villages and forests – the India of the vast majority?

And do we think that a mere 50 years of reservation has resolved the Dalit problem and that the OBC reservation of the past two decades has resolved the problems of the Backward Castes?

Upper caste India has to carry its historic shame and guilt and lead the struggle to abolish the caste system permanently in India. Upper caste India must develop a social conscience that intentionally includes the Dalits and the OBCs in all spheres of power – economics, education, politics, science and spirituality – this will mean proportional representation. Upper caste India must embrace and entwine their lives, future and their bloodline with Dalit-Bahujan India for the sake of their own children’s future.

Our politicians will not deliver. We the citizens of India must deliver emancipation to the Dalits and the oppressed backward castes – now and forever.