Protection of Dalit Rights

Over six decades has passed since India attained her independence. However, an archaic practice like untouchability continues to prevail in the nation, subtly as well as openly. Be it on the name of educational backwardness or economic dependence on landowners, untouchables or Dalits have been the target of atrocities in India for centuries. Widely acknowledged as outcasts, Dalits endure segregation in public places, including schools and hospitals. Moreover, majority of the segment lives below the poverty line.

Steps Taken by the Indian Government to Protect SC/STs

Article 17 of the Indian Constitution provides for the abolition of untouchability and forbids practicing it in any form. To ensure stricter law enforcement, the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955 was enacted by the Government of India. The act was later amended in 1976 and is called “Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955” (PCRA). The revision of PCRA provided for more severe punishment for those who abuse the law. It also made the practice of untouchability both non-compoundable and cognizable. Another legislation related to Article 17 is the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (PAA).

Despite repeated efforts, the condition of this section of the population remains bleak. In 1994, the Ministry of Welfare submitted the Twelfth Annual Report on the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. The report revealed the alarming statistics of cases registered in 1991 against violation of human rights of SC/ST. South Indian states reported majority of cases including Tamil Nadu (861), Karnataka (722), and Andhra Pradesh (365) which collectively accounted for 52% of the total cases reported in the country. Cases reported in other states include Madhya Pradesh (384), Maharashtra (340) and Uttar Pradesh (296).