Latest News Update: Mar 6, 2010

Saturday, March 6, 2010

[ZESTCaste] At Tamil Nadu temple, caste is history

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/At-Tamil-Nadu-temple-caste-is-history/articleshow/5649160.cms

At Tamil Nadu temple, caste is history

TNN, Mar 6, 2010, 01.55am IST

MADURAI: Three years after deep caste divisions stopped them from
celebrating a temple festival together, on Friday dalits beat the
drums as per tradition and Thevars led the procession to an ancient
temple.

The rare show of caste amity took place in Pillaiyarpuram village, in
caste-sensitive Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, where the
villagers worshipped together at the Vadabathira Kaliamman temple.

Tirunelveli SP Asra Garg led a posse of 600 policemen to provide
security backup in the village. He said the festival was held after
marathon talks were held on Friday to convince the Thevars to allow
the dalits to take part in the ritualistic tradition of drumbeating
after which they were allowed to offer prayers at the temple. The
village dalit leader, S Gurusamy, told TOI: "We will be happy if this
continues." The silk clothes offered by the dalits were used to adorn
the deity.

Though the non-dalits from eight villages enjoyed the rights of
conducting ceremonies in this temple during the annual festival during
March every year, the dalits also participated in it and were the
drumbeaters.

There was harmony until 2007 when a minor dispute led to a clash and
strains developed between the two groups — a case is pending in this
regard in the Madras HC. The revenue department and police held a
peace meeting and it was decided that the festival would be held on
March 5 and 6.

The non-dalits were allowed to enter the temple and perform the
ceremonies, while the dalits entered the temple and offered prayers.

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[ZESTCaste] CASTE IN POWER (Opinion)

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100306/jsp/opinion/story_12181625.jsp

CASTE IN POWER

Caste is one of the thorniest issues in Indian society. Any discussion
of it opens up spaces of ambiguity and hypocrisy. In all that is
considered official and hallowed by the Indian State, caste is not
recognized and is deemed to be non-existent. India's first prime
minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, declared the caste system to be
reactionary and a barrier to progress. B.R. Ambedkar, the chairman of
India's constituent assembly, went even further and wrote, "You cannot
build anything on the foundations of caste. You cannot build up a
nation; you cannot build up a morality. Anything you will build on the
foundations of caste will crack and will never be a whole." According
to the Constitution, any form of discrimination based on religion,
caste, race and gender is punishable by law. Yet no observer can deny
that caste is a ubiquitous aspect of Indian social life. Caste is
something that the State does not recognize and approve of, but its
presence is undeniable.

This ambivalence or contradiction is, in fact, the failure of the
Indian State to engineer social reforms to eradicate an embedded sign
of inequality. This vitally affects some of the operations of the
Indian State. One example of this is the decision taken that the
census operations of 2011 will not collect caste-based data from any
section of the population except those belonging to the scheduled
castes and scheduled tribes. This was announced by the junior home
minister, Ajay Maken, in the context of "request for conducting caste
base [sic] census has been received from government of West Bengal…
among others". One interpretation of this decision is that the 2011
census, like the previous ones, will not reflect a vital aspect of
India's social reality. The other interpretation — and presumably this
will be the State's rationale — could be that the official recording
of caste-based data would reinforce caste divisions in society. The
moot point here, of course, is what is perceived to be the purpose of
a census.

The State, as social scientists following Michel Foucault have pointed
out, enumerates its citizens under various categories through the
census. The census is one of the instruments that the State uses to
gain knowledge of the governed. The British Indian State that started
census operations in India in the late 19th century chose to enumerate
the population by caste. This enabled it to deploy policies of divide
and rule to maintain its dominance over a colony and a subject and an
increasingly recalcitrant population. The aims and priorities of the
independent Indian State are different. To maintain its power over the
governed, it needs to set itself forth as the primary upholder and
protector of Indian unity. The unity of India is one of the raison
d'être of the Indian State. For this purpose, the rhetoric of
castelessness is more useful to it than the enumeration of castes.

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[ZESTCaste] Race against discrimination

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Race-against-discrimination/H1-Article1-515603.aspx

Race against discrimination

Pratik Kanjilal

March 05, 2010
First Published: 21:58 IST(5/3/2010)
Last Updated: 22:01 IST(5/3/2010)

The English are girding their loins to make war on caste
discrimination. They have noticed that the dastardly Asians have
imported it to their shores along with chicken tikka masala, cheap
phone cards, internet aarti darshan and Patak's pickles. They had
learned to respect caste when they began to rule India and then they
had learned to use it, dividing their sepoys on religious and caste
lines to prevent a reprise of 1857. Now they have learned to despise
it, like everyone else. And so Westminster has commissioned a
needle-sharp probe into the morass of caste. On the basis of its
findings, it plans to wipe out caste discrimination in Albion.

What a hope! We Asians, who invented caste, have been fighting it for
over half a century, armed with a Constitution drafted by a Dalit, and
we are still baffled by its cockroach-like endurance. Caste
discrimination is alive and well and meanwhile its doppelganger, lower
caste assertion, is raising steam. Uttar Pradesh is ruled by a
caste-based party which is righting historical wrongs through
monumental statuary. The upper castes are richly represented in
national imagery while Dalits have had to make do with the rustic
statues of Ambedkar you see from the train window, pink-faced and clad
in a piercingly blue jacket. Now, one caste imagery is competing with
the other, though Ambedkar would have wanted neither to exist.

Pursuing our commitment to erasing caste, we have banned the very
utterance of caste names, which are sometimes used as obscenities. But
it's no use. People of the abused castes freely use those very names
as a badge of identity. Caste is the obscenity that dares to speak its
name. And it speaks it so casually and familiarly that you forget it's
illegal.

I can't get over the embarrassment I once suffered while covering an
election in Haryana. For days I had wandered far from the highways,
and then I had filed a story from a one-fax, two-dog, three-lathel
village. The only reason I didn't get busted to rookie reporter when I
returned to Delhi was that my editor of that time was a hard-bitten
veteran, not easily rattled. All he asked me was: "Did you want to get
me arrested, then?"

I had written that Clan Devi Lal would face surprise reversals in its
strongholds because it was being opposed by the community of cha…
There I go again. Now, I'm trying to get the editor of this paper
arrested. My only excuse for having spelled out a derogatory caste
name in a newspaper was that for days on end in the villages, I had
heard the word being used by everyone. Not as a term of abuse, as city
people use it, but as a commonplace descriptive, like 'Darjeeling', or
'banana'.

Action against caste in Britain will put the heat on India by
intensifying the 2001 UN initiative to equate caste discrimination
with racism. But the English, I fear, will discover that caste is like
the human appendix. No one knows what it's for any more but it remains
deeply embedded in our psyche. Its nuisance value is easily remedied
by surgery. But patients usually resist treatment, for it would mean
cutting away a part of their selves.

Pratik Kanjilal is publisher of The Little Magazine

The views expressed by the author are personal

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[ZESTCaste] In Tamil Nadu temple, Dalits offer prayers

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-Tamil-Nadu-temple-Dalits-offer-prayers/articleshow/5649160.cms

In Tamil Nadu temple, Dalits offer prayers

TNN, Mar 6, 2010, 01.55am IST

The rare show of caste amity took place in Pillaiyarpuram village, in
caste-sensitive Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, where the
villagers worshipped together at the Vadabathira Kaliamman temple.

The non-dalits were allowed to enter the temple and perform the
ceremonies, while the dalits entered the temple and offered prayers.

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[ZESTCaste] Dalit woman gangraped in Muzaffarnagar

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_dalit-woman-gangraped-in-muzaffarnagar_1355956

Dalit woman gangraped in Muzaffarnagar

PTI
Saturday, March 6, 2010 15:25 IST

Muzaffarnagar (UP): A Dalit woman has been allegedly gangraped by
three persons at Kaidi village in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar
district, police said today.

The victim in her complaint has alleged that three persons — Ashok,
Ravi and Mengha — gangraped her at pistol point yesterday. The trio
also threatened her of dire consequences if she disclosed the matter
to any one.

Police has registered a case against the accused, who are absconding.

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[ZESTCaste] SC Comm to submit report on reservation policy

http://www.ptinews.com/news/550426_SC-Comm-to-submit-report-on-reservation-policy

SC Comm to submit report on reservation policy

STAFF WRITER 0:16 HRS IST
Jalandhar, Mar 5 (PTI) National Commission for Scheduled Castes would
submit its report to President Pratibha Patil on the implementation of
reservation policy, utilisation of Special Component Plan and other
welfare schemes for SCs next week.

The Commission's Chairman Buta Singh said here today that while he
could not disclose the contents of the report before its submission,
the impressions he gathered during his tenure were not very
encouraging.

On the employment conditions, he said it had further deteriorated as
the reservation for SCs had not increased despite increase in
population percentage.

He claimed that in the IAS, IPS, IRS and IFS cadres, the 15 per cent
quota had never been filled till now.

He said expenditure part on welfare scheme of Dalits was the worst as
the grants were not being properly utilised.

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[ZESTCaste] 300 dalit christians arrested

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=300+dalit+christians+arrested&artid=8%7C/kifZtS/E=&SectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=rSY%7C6QYp3kQ=&SEO=

300 dalit christians arrested

Express News Service
First Published : 06 Mar 2010 06:37:00 AM IST

Last Updated : 06 Mar 2010 10:59:26 AM IST

CHENNAI: Over 300 Dalit Christians including Chengalpet Bishop and
chairman of National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC) were arrested
after they allegedly took part in a protest without police permission,
at St Thomas Mount on Friday.

Following the arrest, a few other Dalit Christians in the city held a
road roko and the suburban police detained them in the military
cantonment community hall and later released them.

Over 324 Dalit Christians had marched from Kanyakumari to campaign for
inclusion of their community in the SC list. The march that started
two weeks ago and ended on Friday after a meeting in the city. They
were supposed submit a memorandum to the CM asking him for SC status
for Dalit Christians.

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[ZESTCaste] Food allocation hiked in SC, ST and BC hostels

http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/06/stories/2010030662090900.htm

Karnataka

Food allocation hiked in SC, ST and BC hostels

Laiqh A Khan

This is owing to hike in prices of essential commodities

Rs. 20 crore for starting such model hostels in 10 districts

Rs. 150 crore for developing Morarji Desai and Kittur Chennamma
residential schools

BANGALORE: In view of the rise in prices of essential commodities, the
State Government has proposed to increase the monthly allocation
towards food for each inmate of hostels for Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes.

Presenting the State Budget for 2010-11, Chief Minister B.S.
Yeddyurappa said the monthly allocation for food to each student would
be increased from Rs. 600 to Rs. 650 in pre-Matric hostels and from
Rs. 650 to Rs. 750 in post-Matric hostels.

During the last year, an increase was made in rates of food charges
per student from Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 a month in respect of pre-Matric
hostels and from Rs. 450 to Rs. 650 a month for post-Matric hostels.

There are a total of 1,683 hostels for students belonging to the SC
and 186 for students belonging to ST, besides 1,760 hostels for
students from Backward Classes.

An amount of Rs. 150 crore had been set aside during the year for
developing the 14 Morarji Desai residential schools and 114 Kittur
Chennamma residential schools for girls started during 2009-10,
besides constructing necessary buildings for 150 schools.

The State Government has also proposed to establish new model hostels
at district level for students from all categories and classes, Rs. 20
crore has been provided for starting such model hostels in 10
districts.

An amount of Rs 20 crore will be provided for building Jagjivan Ram
Bhavans in 10 districts of the State.

During 2009-10, provisions had been made for Special Component Plan
(TCP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) of Rs. 2916.6 crore and Rs. 1,144
crore respectively. In the year 2010-11, the amount has been increased
to Rs. 3,358.78 and Rs 1,344.19 crore respectively. The State
Government has earmarked an amount of Rs. 20 crore for activities of
communities from Backward Classes such as Kammara, Kumbara,
Akkasaliga, Agasa and others working in traditional occupations.

The budget earmarks Rs. 3 crore to establish Kumbakala Abhivruddhi
Mandali, he said.

An amount of Rs.1 crore each will be provided for construction of
community halls for Daivagya Brahmins of Uttara Kannada district and
Bhalavallikar community at Manipal.

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[ZESTCaste] Books distributed to SC/ST students of Voorhees College

http://www.thehindu.com/2010/03/06/stories/2010030655890300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Vellore

Books distributed to SC/ST students of Voorhees College

Special Correspondent

194 students benefit from the UGC scheme

VELLORE: The Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Vellore Region,
K. Subramanian, distributed English books to 194 students of Voorhees
College, Vellore belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled
Tribes at a function held at the college here on Friday. Each set of
the books, distributed under the University Grants Commission (UGC) XI
Plan Books Grant Scheme (SC/ST), comprised four books, — a dictionary,
a book on general knowledge, a book entitled `Word Power Made Easy'
and a book on 'essays for exams'.

Dr. Subramaniam called upon the SC/ST students to have self-confidence
to succeed in their life. He said learning the English language was
very easy.

"All that you need is a good vocabulary, which you can acquire by
memorising the meanings of 13 words per day, using the dictionary."
Though most students speak Tamil and have a good vocabulary, they
lacked knowledge about Tamil grammar. The college students knew many
English words, but they did not know how to use them, he said, and
hoped that the books distributed to them under the UGC grant would
motivate to them to learn to speak and write good English.

D. Daniel Ezhilarasu, Principal and Secretary of Voorhees College said
that while city students have the benefit of good libraries and
Internet facilities, hard work is the only trait that would stand the
rural students in good stead.

He said that out of the Rs.55.36 lakh sanctioned for Voorhees College
under the UGC XI Plan, the college has received a grant of Rs.4.26
lakh so far.

Of this amount, the college has purchased books worth Rs.65,000 for
distribution to the 194 SC/ST students studying in the final year in
the various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the college. The
committee constituted by the college has decided to provide English
books to the students to enable them to improve their knowledge of
English, and perform well in competitive examinations.

Baktha Lawrence Godwin, Head of the Department of Defence, Voorhees
College, A. Arulappan, Dean of Student Affairs, spoke.

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[ZESTCaste] NCW appeals to parties to support Women's Reservation Bill

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/NCW-appeals-to-parties-to-support-Women-s-Reservation-Bill/515841/H1-Article1-515811.aspx

Press Trust Of India
New Delhi, March 06, 2010
First Published: 14:36 IST(6/3/2010)
Last Updated: 14:37 IST(6/3/2010)

NCW appeals to parties to support Women's Reservation Bill

National Commission for Women today appealed to political parties like
SP and RJD to support the Women's Reservation Bill when it is taken up
in Parliament on Monday so that they can be part of the "momentous
bill".

NCW chairperson Girija Vyas also thanked parties like Congress, BJP,
JD (U) and the Left for supporting the Bill, providing for 33 per cent
reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

"We would like to thank Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson
Sonia Gandhi for steering the Bill to its logical conclusion by
bringing it in Rajya Sabha on March 8," she told a press conference
here.

Asked about the opposition to the Bill in its present form from
parties like SP and RJD, she said, "The NCW wants everyone to support
the momentous bill."

"They have one more day to think over. We appeal to everyone to
support the Bill. But even if they don't support the Bill, it will
still be passed," she said.

"It is a golden opportunity for all MPs to be part of such a momentous
Bill, which will have far-reaching implications not only on
empowerment of women, but future generations," she said.

Asked about SP and RJD demanding reservation within reservation for
women from OBC, SC and ST categories, Vyas said she did not think this
was possible.

"Reservation within reservation is not possible. SC and ST people
already get reservation and there is no need for a reservation in this
category," she said.

Representatives from various women's organisations said March 8 would
be a "red letter day" for women in the country.

Some of them even went to the extent of criticising RJD chief Lalu
Prasad, saying his party would lose even the four seats it won during
the last elections if it doesn't support the Bill.

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[ZESTCaste] Nitish breaks from OBC lobby, ready to back Women's quota

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nitish-breaks-from-OBC-lobby-ready-to-back-Womens-quota/articleshow/5648996.cms

Nitish breaks from OBC lobby, ready to back Women's quota
Diwakar, TNN, Mar 6, 2010, 01.00am IST

NEW DELHI: In a significant development, Bihar chief minister Nitish
Kumar has come out in support of the women's reservation bill, blowing
a hole in the OBC resistance to the historic move.

"I think it is an idea whose time has come. Bihar was the first state
to reserve 50% of seats in panchayats for women. I have seen it has
helped women emerge as an independent category, and made the
administration more sensitive to the needs of half of our population.
I will appeal to my leader Sharad Yadav and other colleagues to
reconsider their stand," Kumar told TOI on Friday.

He is the first satrap to break away from the OBC establishment that
has doggedly stonewalled the introduction of women's quota in
legislature for almost a decade and-a-half.

The Bihar chief minister was among the vanguard of opposition,
insisting on a quota for OBC and Muslim women within the larger quota
for women. "I still support the quota-within-quota demand. That would
have been the ideal solution. But I also feel that it should not
become the ground for delaying the introduction of reservation for
women in legislatures," Kumar said.

In a way, the change in Kumar's stand symbolises the length the bill
has covered - from an idea that was seen as too radical to be embraced
to a necessity for inclusive governance. As a member of the Joint
Parliamentary Committee set up in 1997 to examine the bill, the Bihar
CM along with the DMK representative had submitted a note of dissent
when the panel led by veteran Communist Geeta Mukherjee endorsed the
legislation.

His intervention came on a day when OBC politicians, including his
JD(U) colleague Sharad Yadav as well as arch-rival Lalu Prasad stuck
to their stand to oppose the women's reservation bill so long as it
did not provide for a sub-quota for OBC and Muslims.

The stand of Kumar, architect of JD(U)'s landslide in Lok Sabha polls
in Bihar - the state that accounts for the entire party contingent in
Lok Sabha - is sure to cause disarray among Sharad Yadav's troops,
making it easier for the government to push for the passage of the
constitutional amendment bill.

It will add to the momentum that is promising to propel the bill past
the requisite number in both Houses. On Monday, Lok Morcha, a group of
4 independents - Jaswant Singh, Digvijay Singh, Inder Singh Namdhari
and Raju Shetty - pledged their support to the quota legislation. "We
will support it," said Digvijay Singh.

Kumar's "aye" fits in with his plan to enhance his appeal among all
castes. He was recently accused of ignoring the interests of upper
castes by some of his discontented colleagues. His jettisoning of the
caste-based resistance to the quota bill can serve as an effective
political riposte.

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