Dalit body seeks action against discrimination faced by SCs

Even after 80 years since India gained independence, Scheduled Caste (SC) individuals continue to endure discrimination, according to V. Srinivasa Rao, national leader of the Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch. This organization recently led a protest in Ongole, outside Prakasam Bhavan. Speaking to the media, Mr. Rao warned that if the problems faced by Dalit communities in the state were not addressed within the next three months, a campaign named 'Chalo Amaravati' would commence in December 2026.

Mr. Rao's concerns stem from a campaign conducted by Kula Vivaksha Porata Samithi (KVPS) over the past two months. He highlighted that Dalit residents in various localities are compelled to fight for fundamental necessities such as access to clean drinking water, well-maintained roads, adequate housing, quality education, and adequate healthcare.

The discrimination is pervasive, including in the final rites at cremation grounds and even in the capital city of Amaravati. Mr. Rao pointed out that in Amaravati, there are instances where houses are not rented out to SC individuals. Additionally, SC employees face discrimination in their workplaces. The government has not adequately implemented the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the law.

Mr. Rao called for a thorough audit of the utilization of funds allocated to SC/ST sub-plans. Dalit entrepreneurs have been forced to publicly protest, carrying their families, due to the failure in releasing subsidy funds to them.