Latest News Update: Aug 29, 2010

Sunday, August 29, 2010

[ZESTCaste] Fw: [indian_sc_union] Loans to SCs & STs

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Yatish Kumar <yatish_dce@yahoo.com>
To: indian_sc_union@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, 29 August, 2010 10:56:36 AM
Subject: Re: [indian_sc_union] Loans to SCs & STs

YATISH KUMAR

From: P.Esakkimuthu <p.esakkimuthu@yahoo.co.in>
To: indian_sc_union@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sat, August 28, 2010 8:09:00 PM
Subject: [indian_sc_union] Loans to SCs & STs

Loans to SCs & STs

Banks extend loans to Scheduled Castes (SCs)/ Scheduled Tribes (STs) under
Priority Sector Lending (PSL). SCs/ STs from a sub-category under Weaker
Section of PSL. Further, under Government Sponsored Schemes, the reservation
for SCs/ STs is as follows:

(i) Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) - 50%

(ii) Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) - to the
extent of their proportion in the
population.

(iii) Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) Scheme - 40%

As per data furnished by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), total loans
outstanding under PSL and to SCs/ STs as on last reporting Friday of March,
2007, 2008 and 2009 (latest available) are as under:

(Amount in Rs. crore)
As on the last reporting Friday of March
Total Priority Sector
Loans to SCs/ STsBeneficiaries
2007 7,03,756 26,520

2008 8,24,773 34,376

2009 9,67,414 40,812
Source: RBI

The measures taken by RBI to strengthen credit flow to SCs/ STs,
inter-alia, include the following:

· With a view to minimize rate of rejection of loan applications, banks
have been advised to indicate reasons for rejection of application on the form
itself;
· Banks have been advised that the rejection of loan applications should
be done at higher level instead of the branch level;
· Banks have been advised to provide necessary institutional support to
the National SC/ ST Finance and Development Corporation to enable the
institution to achieve the desired objective; and
· The banks also participate in special schemes of SC/ ST Corporation
for development of SC/ ST which are piloted at State level through special
component plans.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo
Narain Meenain a written reply to an Unstarred Question raised in Lok Sabha
today.

REFER FOLLOWING LINK FOR MORE CLARITY OF FIGURES CITED ABOVE
http://www.lawyersclubindia.com/news/Loans-to-SCs-and-STs-11531.asp

COURTESY:lAWYERRS CLUB OF INDIA

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati favouring only her community, claim Dalit leaders

http://sify.com/news/mayawati-favouring-only-her-community-claim-dalit-leaders-news-national-ki3nugfddaa.html

Mayawati favouring only her community, claim Dalit leaders

2010-08-29 13:20:00

Dalit leaders have accused Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati of
favouring only a particular backward community to which she belongs.

"We have gathered Dalits here and are creating awareness among them to
fight for their rights.

For example the issue of reservation in private sector, or the Dalits
who are being exploited in Uttar Pradesh, or about the issue of jobs
that are disappearing, or the issue of land acquisition, we are
discussing all such issues here," said Udit Raj, an activist of the
Justice Party.

The leaders, who held a meeting in Allahabad on Saturday, said the
benefit of reservation is only available for Mayawati's community.

"The benefit of reservation is being availed by Mayawati's community.
Those who do not belong to her community are exploited with cruelty.
The crime is on full flow. In every 18th minute a boycotted Dalit
woman is raped, they are being killed in the whole state," said Nihare
Rakesh, a former state deputy.

"I demand that the Central Government should immediately take action
against Mayawati's rule," he added.

Numbering 160 million, Dalits represent 16 percent of India's
population of more than one billion.

Officially, caste discrimination is banned in India and special quotas
exist for Dalits in Parliament, state legislatures, village councils,
government jobs and educational institutions. (ANI)

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[ZESTCaste] Nepal: Dalit in Federalism Discourse

http://www.telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=8190

Nepal: Dalit in Federalism Discourse

M. Bishwakarma
A district level Dalit woman in Ilam expressed her grievances over
recent discourse on Federalism stating Dalits are always Dalits, any
form of system will not address their issues. I do not think
Federalism will be supportive for us.

In her quote, there is clear meaning that Dalits are not assured that
they have not found any justifiable reason of future federal mechanism
which will be supportive for them. Federalism is one of the main
issues of discourse in the Nepalese political arena which has not only
created confusion but also given rays of hope for certain community.
There seems division among the Nepalese people in understanding the
federalism though the Interim constitution has clearly provisioned
that Nepal will be a federal country henceforth. A section of the
people are in favor of federalism especially Madhesi and ethnic
communities. However, except the ethnic and Madhesi people, other
people are seen reserved especially on the formation of ethnicity
based provinces in Nepal. In this context, large number of people are
in a dilemma whether the country will be disintegrated if there is
implementation of a federal republic.

Mostly self explanatory fears and suspicion is playing role among
larger section of people that Federalism is unfavorable in the context
of Nepali economical and social situation. Moreover, the recent
proposal of CA's State Restructuring Committee on the identity based 9
provinces and prime rights to the ethnic groups have added more
troubles to the acceptance of establishing federalism. And, this has
fueled other caste groups to deny the ethnicity based federalism.

In this discourse, some community like Chhetri is demanding that they
are also indigenous marginalized groups and they need equality while
deciding over the rights of indigenous group in Nepal. Dalit is also
one of the communities who are mostly in the state of confusion in
this federalism discourse. Mainly, Dalits are not assured by two
reasons. One, Dalit community is not considered as the separate
identity that deserves separate Dalit province or sub autonomous
province and second, whether their rights is guaranteed or not?

Referring this, Dalit community observes reluctance over extending
blind support to the recent proposal and efforts for the federalism
process in Nepal. As professor Krishna Khanal refers that "the federal
model of Nepal as proposed by CA won't directly address the concerns
of Dalit and women in Nepal despite these groups are in bigger size in
population." This is a glimpse for the future of Dalit and women in
federal structure despite there is still a way of negotiating with
political parties. Dalit community in proposed some province can
bargain for their political representation considering their second
larger population.

Nepalese politics is only for those who have power, link and are from
higher class of society, in this reality, Dalits can't fight for the
rights in provincial level unless the constitution ensures all the
rights clearly.

Dalit Demands?

Dalit are demanding non-territorial province in case CA denies in
providing separate Dalit identity based province. Reason behind
demanding non territorial federal unit is to establish an institution
which can exercise democratic power and can play vital role for the
policy making for Dalit. In the context of world, among 28 federal
countries, there are only two countries like Belgium and Ethiopia
where non-territorial federal practice exist. Some political party
proposed informally non-territorial federal unit; however, later it
could not reflect into the CA preliminary draft papers. Besides, Dalit
leaders of political parties and civil society organization attempted
to establish their agenda of demanding three sub-autonomous units
considering the density of Dalit population like Sahalesh
sub-autonomous province in eastern Tarai, Bhagat Sarbajit
sub-autonomous province in western hills and Bhul sub-autonomous
province in Mid-Far western hills. In these places, Dalit come in a
second position demographically speaking. If there is provision to
establish the sub autonomous provinces; Dalit could easily get some
sub-autonomous provinces. The demographic composition in far western
region shows that they have strength for the political bargain.
However, Dalits are divided by political ideologies and caste
hierarchy that can hinder them for taking united efforts to establish
their rights. That is why Dalits are demanding that they should be
clearly written provision of special rights for certain period of time
unless they are equal to other caste groups. Unfortunately CA state
re-structuring committee did not come with the idea of sub-autonomous
provincial structure. Leaders and representatives of Dalit community
are raising their strong voice in favor of either non-territorial unit
or sub-autonomous province. CA progress to date, do not show that
Dalit demand will be fulfilled with two options mentioned above. If
Dalit identity is considered, Dalit in reality will get a sense of
justice for the discrimination prevailed over past centuries. Only
structure as federal unit does not work for the radical change into
the lives of Dalit community, there should be economical reformation
and affirmative action in every sectors of development.

Dalit in CA thematic report?

Comparatively CA thematic reports are more progressive on the rights
of Dalit. However, issues of eliminating the caste-based
discrimination and restorative justice to Dalit community are not
provisioned in line with Dalit demands. Among the eleven CA thematic
reports, Dalit issues are covered more or less; however, in the case
of federalism, Dalit could not be central agenda for policy makers.
Professor Krishna Hachhethu refers that federalism emerged by the
movement of Madhes and Indigenous community; that is the reason why CA
has given more emphasis on the identity based federalism in Nepal.
But, non ethnic leaders defers over the CA proposal. They claim that
ethnicity based name of state creates more violence and destroys the
social harmony. Name on the basis of rivers and geography is suitable
instead of naming by ethnicity which does not impact people's
psychology. Dalit are also seen reserve on naming the provinces. CA
thematic committee has come out with special provision in central and
provincial parliamentary political structure for Dalit. Dalit will be
benefited by the special provision of proportional representation in
the all sectors of state. Moreover, 3 % additional quota in central
government and 5 % in provincial government will be added as the
compensation of historical discrimination. Other thematic committee
has attempted to address the issues of Dalit by provisioning that
there will be proportional representation of all caste & ethic groups
in legislature and electoral system, judiciary, administration and
other development spheres as well. Caste based discrimination outlawed
since 2020 BS civil code though practice of untouchability is rampant
in our society. CA has additionally proposed that perpetrator of the
discrimination will be punished and victim will get compensation as
per the rules of Nepal government. Dalit demand is not only to define
caste based discrimination as social crime instead they are demanding
to make discrimination as the crime against state so that perpetrators
get one step back to encourage discrimination. Almost all the Dalit
representatives of federalism dialogue showed their reservation over
the prime rights provided to the indigenous community. As they
mentioned that they are not against the idea of prime rights. Their
logic is to guarantee the prime rights to Dalit community since they
are discriminated and marginalized for centuries. Similarly, non
ethnic community stands against the prime rights. They have also same
logic that since the province is named on the basis of indigenous
identity and their majority that brings automatic leadership.

Conclusion:

Larger number of Dalit leaders and people are not convinced that
Federalism will transform their condition by increasing the access to
state mechanism, equal opportunity in education, economical growth,
politics and discrimination free society. With their reluctance over
federalism, among them some are still hopeful that they can bargain
with political parties' and state mechanism for their rights to be
ensured at the provincial level. As is the Nepalese political trend,'
might is right', the top level Dalit(s) can show their strength in
front of state, will get more rights. However, the division among the
Dalit and non uniformity on their demands will drag to the uncertainty
of the fulfillment by state mechanism. Dalit will not get justice for
the sacrifice of their human rights and devotion for the nation
building. Thus, this is the time to hit the iron otherwise time won't
wait them for long.

Posted on : 2010-08-29 06:48:17

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[ZESTCaste] U.K. set to recognize caste discrimination as racism

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article602136.ece

Published: August 29, 2010 16:59 IST | Updated: August 29, 2010 16:59
IST LONDON, August 29, 2010

U.K. set to recognize caste discrimination as racism
Hassan Suroor

Britain is set to become the first European country to recognise caste
discrimination as a form of racism and declare it unlawful under the
race laws following a long campaign by the country's estimated 200,000
Dalits and a report last year alleging widespread caste-based
prejudice.

A provision has already been made in the new Equality Act adopted
recently empowering the Government to declare "caste to be an aspect
of race'' without having to resort to fresh legislation.

Clause 9 of the Act says: "The fact that a racial group comprises two
or more distinct racial groups does not prevent it from constituting a
particular racial group. A Minister of the Crown may by order—(a)
amend this section so as to provide for caste to be an aspect of
race…"

The Government will be guided by the report of a study it has
commissioned to determine the extent of alleged caste discrimination.
The report by the National Institute of Social and Economic Research,
a leading independent research body, is expected in the autumn.

CasteWatchUK, Britain's oldest Dalit campaign group, claims that it is
no longer a question of "if" but "when'' an official announcement is
made.

"We have provided enough evidence to researchers and have no doubt in
our minds that their report will be positive. Besides, we have full
faith in the fairness of the British state. The fact that they have
included it in the equality act is half the battle won. It is not a
question of 'if' but 'when' it happens,'' Davinder Prasad, general
secretary of CasteWatch, told The Hindu.

Campaigners claim cross-party support pointing out that MPs from all
parties backed the move during the debate in Parliament.

"The only reluctant voices were of Asian MPs," said Lekh Pall, general
secretary of the Anti-Caste Discrimination Alliance (ACDA), an
umbrella group.

India's official position is that casteism cannot be equated with
racism and it has opposed such moves at international forums. Any
British move could set a precedent for other countries to follow suit.

The issue has divided Britain's Indian community and right-wing groups
such as the Hindu Forum of Britain have launched a counter-campaign
questioning the right of the Government to intervene in what it claims
is their internal affair.

"There has been some criticism against the caste system with regards
to the treatment of Dalits in the Britain. However, it is not right
for the UK Government to take a position on the rites, beliefs or
practices of a particular religion. Social interactions and personal
choices are an expression of people's freedom, and any barriers should
be removed through education and awareness, not through legislation,"
said the Forum's Secretary-general Ramesh Kallidai.

In a report, "Caste in the UK'', the Forum denied claims of caste
discrimination saying its own research had found that it was "not
endemic in British society''.

However, a study—"Hidden Apartheid, Voice of the Community, Caste and
Caste Discrimination in the UK''-- by ACDA in collaboration with
academics from the universities of Hertfordshire and Manchester and
Manchester Metropolitan University, concluded that there was "clear
evidence'' of widespread caste-based discrimination.

"There is clear evidence from the survey and the focus groups that the
caste system has been imported into the UK with the Asian diaspora and
that the associated caste discrimination affects citizens in ways
beyond personal choices and social interaction. There is a danger that
if the UK government does not effectively accept and deal with the
issue of caste discrimination the problem will grow unchecked," it
said.

The report claimed that "tens of thousands of people in the workplace,
the classroom and even the doctor's surgery'' suffered discrimination
because of their caste. Forty-five per cent of the respondents alleged
they had either been treated negatively by co-workers or had comments
made about their caste. Nine per cent felt they had been denied
promotion, and ten per cent said they had been paid less because of
their caste. Some also claimed that they faced ``threats''.

Campaigners have threatened to take their case to the European Court
of Human Rights if the British Government fails to act.

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[ZESTCaste] Dalit woman branded a witch, thrashed in Rajasthan

http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/dalit-woman-branded-a-witch-thrashed-in-rajasthan-47993

Dalit woman branded a witch, thrashed in Rajasthan
Indo Asian News Service, Updated: August 29, 2010 13:50 IST

Tonk, Rajasthan: A Dalit woman was labelled a witch and beaten up
badly in Rajasthan's Tonk district, police said Sunday.

Kamla Bairwa of Jhalra village in Tonk district, over 100 km from
Jaipur, stated in her First Information Report (FIR) filed with the
police Saturday that some villagers tagged her as a witch, insulted
her and then beat her up.

"The villagers, especially the women, call me a witch. They insult me,
torture me and beat me up. They wanted me to leave the village,"
Kamla, a labourer, told IANS.

She added: "A couple of days back they tied me around a tree and I was
beaten badly. I am scared. How can I live in such a place where people
are after my life."

A policeman of Uniara police station in Tonk district said: "Kamla
Bairwa has filed an FIR against five people, including two women."

Police have started investigations.

"We will record the statements of both the parties. We may conduct a
medical examination of the complainant and, if need be, arrest the
culprits," the police official said.

Rajasthan is one of the states in the country where women, who exhibit
abnormal behaviour, are often called witches and ill-treated by the
society, causing them to commit suicide.

In a bid to curb this, the women's commission in Rajasthan has
prepared a draft bill that has been sent to the state government.

According to the draft bill, called Rajasthan Prevention of Witch
(Dain) Practices Bill, a crime would be considered to have been
committed when any person or community intentionally or inadvertently
abets, conspires, aids and instigates the identification of a woman as
a witch, leading to her mental and physical torture and humiliation.

The bill advocates severe punishment for the guilty.

However, the draft bill sent to the state government over three years
back, is still to see light of the day.