Q 4(c). What are the different forms of untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations.
(UPSC 2024,10 Marks,)
Theme:
"Contemporary Untouchability Practices in India"
Where in Syllabus:
(Indian Society and Social Issues)
Q 4(c). What are the different forms of untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations.
(UPSC 2024,10 Marks,)
Theme:
"Contemporary Untouchability Practices in India"
Where in Syllabus:
(Indian Society and Social Issues)
प्रस्तावना
Untouchability in India, despite being constitutionally abolished, persists in various forms. According to the 2011 Census, over 200 million Dalits face discrimination. B.R. Ambedkar highlighted its deep-rooted nature in social and economic spheres. Practices like denying entry to temples, segregated seating in schools, and exclusion from community events illustrate its prevalence. Gail Omvedt emphasized the need for societal change to eradicate these practices, which continue to marginalize and oppress lower-caste communities.
"Contemporary Untouchability Practices in India"
● Social Segregation:
● Caste-based Discrimination: Despite legal prohibitions, certain communities, especially in rural areas, continue to face social exclusion. For instance, Dalits are often denied entry into temples or are made to sit separately in social gatherings.
● Marriage Restrictions: Inter-caste marriages, particularly involving Dalits, often face societal backlash, sometimes leading to honor killings. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has documented several such cases.
● Economic Discrimination:
● Employment Bias: Dalits and other marginalized communities often face discrimination in hiring practices. They are frequently relegated to menial jobs, and there is a significant wage gap compared to upper-caste individuals.
● Access to Resources: In many villages, Dalits are denied access to common resources like water from public wells. A study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) highlighted that in some areas, Dalits are not allowed to use the same water sources as upper-caste individuals.
● Educational Discrimination:
● School Segregation: In some schools, Dalit children are made to sit separately from upper-caste students. Reports from the Ministry of Human Resource Development have noted instances where Dalit students are given different utensils for midday meals.
● Higher Education Barriers: Dalit students often face discrimination in higher education institutions, affecting their academic performance and mental health. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has received complaints regarding caste-based harassment in universities.
● Political Discrimination:
● Underrepresentation: Despite reservations, Dalits are often underrepresented in political positions. Even when elected, they may face resistance and lack of cooperation from upper-caste officials.
● Panchayat Exclusion: In some villages, Dalits are not allowed to contest elections or hold positions in local governance bodies, undermining their political rights.
● Cultural Discrimination:
● Religious Exclusion: Dalits are often barred from participating in religious rituals or festivals. In some temples, they are not allowed to perform certain religious duties.
● Cultural Stereotyping: Media and popular culture sometimes perpetuate stereotypes about Dalits, reinforcing societal biases and discrimination.
● Violence and Atrocities:
● Caste-based Violence: Dalits are often victims of violence, including physical assaults and sexual violence. The NCRB data indicates a high number of crimes against Scheduled Castes, highlighting the ongoing issue of caste-based violence.
● Honor Killings: Inter-caste relationships, especially involving Dalits, can lead to honor killings, with families resorting to violence to uphold caste honor.
These forms of untouchability highlight the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities in India, despite constitutional safeguards and legal measures aimed at eradicating such practices.
● Caste-based Discrimination: Despite legal prohibitions, certain communities, especially in rural areas, continue to face social exclusion. For instance, Dalits are often denied entry into temples or are made to sit separately in social gatherings.
● Marriage Restrictions: Inter-caste marriages, particularly involving Dalits, often face societal backlash, sometimes leading to honor killings. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has documented several such cases.
● Economic Discrimination:
● Employment Bias: Dalits and other marginalized communities often face discrimination in hiring practices. They are frequently relegated to menial jobs, and there is a significant wage gap compared to upper-caste individuals.
● Access to Resources: In many villages, Dalits are denied access to common resources like water from public wells. A study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) highlighted that in some areas, Dalits are not allowed to use the same water sources as upper-caste individuals.
● Educational Discrimination:
● School Segregation: In some schools, Dalit children are made to sit separately from upper-caste students. Reports from the Ministry of Human Resource Development have noted instances where Dalit students are given different utensils for midday meals.
● Higher Education Barriers: Dalit students often face discrimination in higher education institutions, affecting their academic performance and mental health. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has received complaints regarding caste-based harassment in universities.
● Political Discrimination:
● Underrepresentation: Despite reservations, Dalits are often underrepresented in political positions. Even when elected, they may face resistance and lack of cooperation from upper-caste officials.
● Panchayat Exclusion: In some villages, Dalits are not allowed to contest elections or hold positions in local governance bodies, undermining their political rights.
● Cultural Discrimination:
● Religious Exclusion: Dalits are often barred from participating in religious rituals or festivals. In some temples, they are not allowed to perform certain religious duties.
● Cultural Stereotyping: Media and popular culture sometimes perpetuate stereotypes about Dalits, reinforcing societal biases and discrimination.
● Violence and Atrocities:
● Caste-based Violence: Dalits are often victims of violence, including physical assaults and sexual violence. The NCRB data indicates a high number of crimes against Scheduled Castes, highlighting the ongoing issue of caste-based violence.
● Honor Killings: Inter-caste relationships, especially involving Dalits, can lead to honor killings, with families resorting to violence to uphold caste honor.
These forms of untouchability highlight the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities in India, despite constitutional safeguards and legal measures aimed at eradicating such practices.
निष्कर्ष
Untouchability in India persists through practices like caste-based discrimination, exclusion from public spaces, and denial of basic services. For instance, Dalits often face barriers in accessing temples and water sources. According to the 2011 Census, over 200 million people belong to Scheduled Castes, many of whom experience such discrimination. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized, "Caste is a state of mind." To combat this, promoting education and enforcing anti-discrimination laws are crucial steps forward.