On equal footing

The constitutional provisions for inclusion cannot be ignored or circumvented anymore.

The Dalit fight for social justice and political representation has been a continuing saga for the better part of the last 50 years. Despite a solid vocal pitch from politicians, their political representation so far remains significantly low. And whatever progress in social inclusion is bandied about is all but a farce. Discrimination against Dalits is visible in rural areas where the political and social stranglehold rests firmly with the so-called upper castes, all this despite the rights of Dalits being detailed in the constitution. What manifests from this duplicity is that words aren’t enough to guarantee the rights of our brethren who have for so long been living on the fringes of society.