ABOUT THE BOOK

Voices unheard: Methodologically Articulated will fill the gaps in the existing body of literature pertaining to Dalits issues. The book addresses the key issues of Dalits struggling for the right to life and survival with dignity. Though this right is constitutionally guaranteed as fundamental right, the realization of the same seems to be the most strenuous task.

Dr. Ambedkar’s lifelong concern for the vulnerable took the Dalit issues at the centre-stage of national politics. Political parties took up the Dalit issues and came to power. The stakeholders, including the human rights bodies, remain vocal in condemning the atrocities and injustice inflicted on Dalits. However, efforts are on for the realization of constitutional rights, safeguarding the interests of Dalits, and creating an egalitarian society. The book in hand will definitely take such steps forward. This book will be of great help to all concerned with Dalits and human rights issues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T. Brahmanandam obtained his post-graduation and M.Phil degree from JNU and Ph.D from University of Hyderabad. Before joining the Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Development Research (CMDR), Dharwad, he was with National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad for nine years. At NIRD, he developed interest on Dalit studies and Panchayati Raj and conducted more than thirty training programmes for the rural development officers.

In the last 14 years, he has been a principle investigator of several research projects, completed six major projects and was co-investigator in six major consultancy studies on Dalits and Dalit women. He has published several research papers in reputed journals such as Journal of Rural Development, Indian Journal of Public Administration and NEHU Journal. He has edited a book on 'Dalits' from Rawat Publishers. His current areas of interest are Dalit politics and communalism.

T.Bosu Babu, got his Masters Degree, Law Degree and Ph.D from Andhra University. In the last 8 years he has been practicing law at Vishakhapatnam Bar Council, Andhra Pradesh. He has been active member in City based Dalit Organisations and actively involved in the Dalit Human Rights issues at Bar Council.    

CONTENTS

Acknowledgment . 9

Preface . 11

List of Contributors .15

1. Discrimination and Social Exclusion against Scheduled Caste Students in the Institutions of Higher Learning . 17
— R.D. Maurya
• Undergraduate students • Special programmes-Absence of such programmes in AIIMS • Assessment and Examination and Teachers Support to SC/ST students • Problem in the Hostel • Inter-personal relation in hostel, Mess and Dinning • Social segregation in cultural, games and sports events • Ragging and Caste Overtone • Problems of SC/ST Senior and Junior Residents • Circumstances of the SC/ST Faculty • Anti-quota Agitation • Discrimination in Teaching
• Evaluation of Theory paper • Discrimination in practical and viva-voice • Conclusion • References.

2. Problems and Prospects of Dalit Women: An Emerging Reality . 37
— T. Brahmanandam &T. Bosu Babu
• Brief Review of Literature • Socio-religious practices • Purity and Pollution • Feminism and Dalit Women • Educational Impact on Dalit Women • Conclusion • References.

3. The Dilemma and Dialectics of the Empowerment of Women: A Sociological Deliberation .55
— Srikakolli Eliah, Subhankar Basu,
and Srikakolli Jayapradha Eliah • Introduction • Constitutional Provisions • Legal Provisions • Crimes identified under the Special Laws (SL) • Special Initiatives for Women • Welfare Schemes for Women • Some Grim Realities of Women Empowerment • Some Glossy Pictures of Women Empowerment
• Dilemma and Dialectics in Empowerment • Phenomenological Empowerment: Some Observations • What makes empowerment possible? • An Observation
• References.

4. Using Reading as a Resource to Help Dalit Students Learn English and Achieve their Desired Socio-Economic Status . 77
— Govindaiah Godavarthi
• Introduction • Facts and figures regarding Dalits • Socio-economic enablement of the Dalits for Education • The role of Lord Macaulay in Empowering the Dalits • Importance of English in India • The context of the study • Reading as a tool to improve English • Conclusion.

5. Access to Education and Health Among Social Groups: A Case Study of Migrant Slum Households of Gadag- Betageri City in Karnataka State . 83
— B.H. Nagoor
• Introduction • Methodology of the study • Access to Education and Health among migrant slum households • Education among migrant slum households
• Education level of migrants’ children belongs to age group 6-14 years • Access to Educational Benefits • Scholarship to (SC/ST) child, Balika Samrudhi Yojana and Mid-day meal, Uniforms and Books • Health status of migrated households•Access to health benefits of migrated households • Conclusion and Suggestions • References.

6. Status of Rural Dalit Women in India: A Case Study of Koge Village in Kolhapur District . 101
— P.B. Desai
• Introduction • Objectives of the Study • Study Area • Methodology • Source of Data • Data Analysis and Interpretation Case Study-1, • Case Study-2,
• Case Study-3, • Case Study-4, • Major Findings • Conclusion • References.

7. Access to Land and Livelihoods of Rural Dalits in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka .109
— G. Srikantha Nayaka, Ramakrishnappa, V and Vishwanatha
• Introduction • Objectives of the Study • Economic Status of Dalits in India • Land ownership patterns in Karnataka • A Demographic Features of Scheduled Castes, Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka • Status of Landless Households in Dakshina Kannda • Occupational Pattern and Livelihood Opportunities
• References.

8. “Democratic Decentralisation and Nature of Political Exclusion of Dalits in Panchayati Raj” . 119
— Avinash G. Bhale
• Introduction • Research Methodology • Objectives of the Study • 73rd Amendment in India • Gram Sabha • Political Exclusion of Dalits:Influences on the election process and politics in village • Caste and Respondent’s participation or attendance in Gram sabha • Reasons for Dalit Exclusion from Local Self-Governance • Participation process of upper caste women and dalit women in Panchayati Raj • Conclusion • References.

9. Violation of Dalit Human Rights: A Study in Andhra Pradesh . 131
— Akepogu Jammanna and Pasala Sudhakar
• The Missing links • Roots Cause for violence in Andhra Pradesh • Violations of Dalits rights • Caste Discrimination • Violations of the rights of women • SC man beaten to death • References.

10. Ambedkar Views on Castes in India . 145
— M. Thangaraj
• Definition of Caste • Nature of caste • Creation of caste • Mechanism (of the creation and preservation of Caste) • Growth and spread of caste system
• Imitation and the Basis for Formation of Caste • Mechanistic Process of the Formation of Caste • References

11. Understanding the Origins of Inequality: People and their Access to Means of Development . 155
— C. Jerome Samraj
• Introduction • Village, Caste and People’s Access to Development • People and their access to Education • Employment • Conclusion • References • Notes.

12. A Revisit into B. R. Ambedkar’s Perception on Caste. 171
— Kanak Kanti Bagchi
• Introduction • Review of Literature • Methodology • Re-look into Ambedkar’s Outlook on Caste and its Relevance • Criticizing the Socialists Position
• Caste as Division of Labour – Refutation of the Argument • Biological Reason of Caste – Refutation of the Argument • Caste System and Elements of Ambedkar’s Ideal Society • Abolition of Caste • Conclusion • References.

Index . 187