Wednesday, December 16, 2009

[ZESTCaste] Assembly approves SC/ST reservations

 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Assembly-approves-SC/ST-reservations/articleshow/5342142.cms

Assembly approves SC/ST reservations
TNN 16 December 2009, 06:23am IST

PANAJI: The Goa Assembly on Tuesday ratified a key constitutional
amendment approved by Parliament to extend reservation of seats for
SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for a further period
of 10 years.

The approval came amidst suggestions from both benches for a radical
change in approach at all levels to improve the communities'
socio-economic conditions.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who moved the resolution, conceded that
SCs/STs still face injustice and atrocities. "Will these things stop?
We need to introspect and act through our heart to stop it totally,"
he said.

Claiming that the situation was "better in Goa as compared to other
states", he said his government had initiated the process to ensure
that a separate tribal welfare department would start functioning by
April 1, 2010.

Countering BJP MLA Damodar "Damu" Naik's earlier comment that the
10-year extension was a matter of shame for the Congress, Kamat said
his party had the maximum number of MPs from the two communities in
both houses of Parliament. A decision on setting up a ST commission
was also taken.

Opposition leader, Manohar Parrikar, while backing the resolution,
said that what was contemplated by the co-framers of the Constitution
had not been achieved. "We lack conviction," he lamented. He said in
Goa, there are no political reservations.

Dayanand Narvekar pointed out that out of 543 seats in both houses of
Parliament, 41 for STs and 79 for SCs (total 120) would now be
automatically reserved, while of the 3,961 seats in state assemblies,
SCs are assured of 540 and STs of 527, ie over 25%. Coupled with 33%
reservations for women, which, he said, is likely to come soon, "we
are looking at a revolution".

He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the budgetary allocation
for the communities and expressed apprehensions that money meant for
them in some sectors like fisheries is not being utilized.

BJP MLAs Ramesh Tawadkar, Laxmikant Parsekar and Vasudev Meng Gaonkar,
MGP MLA Pandurang Dhavalikar and Congress MLAs Pandurang Madkaikar and
deputy speaker Mauvin Godinho also voiced their concern on the present
plight of the communities and hoped that the resolution would improve
their conditions.

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[ZESTCaste] No ATR on Ranganath Commission report

 

http://www.ptinews.com/news/426276_No-ATR-on-Ranganath-Commission-report

No ATR on Ranganath Commission report

STAFF WRITER 15:49 HRS IST

New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) The government today ruled out bringing out
any action taken report (ATR) on Ranganath Mishra Commission report,
which has reportedly recommended reservation for minorities and SC
status to Muslim and Christian Dalits.

However, the report will be tabled in Parliament in this session itself.

"There will be no ATR on Ranganath Commission as there is no
requirement of it, as of now, since the commission was not constituted
under the Commission of Inquiry Act, " Minister for Minority Affairs
Salman Khursid told reporters outside Parliament.

Asked when the report will be tabled Khursid said "not tomorrow". He
said that tabling of report on Friday is also unlikely thereby
indicating that it could be placed before both the Houses of
Parliament only on the last day of the winter session -- Monday.

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[ZESTCaste] HC to SC panel: Is use of word Dalit derogatory?

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5342080,prtpage-1.cms

HC to SC panel: Is use of word Dalit derogatory?
TNN 16 December 2009, 05:25am IST

LUCKNOW: The High Court has asked the National Commission for
Scheduled Castes as to whether use of the word 'Dalit' is derogatory
and hence should be stopped by the state and Central governments in
their use.

A bench of Justice DP Singh and Justice Anil Kumar issued notice to
the commission seeking its reply and also directed the Central and
state governments for filing their response over the issue. It posted
the matter to he heard in the third week of January.


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[ZESTCaste] Elders concerned over move to de-reserve posts

 

http://www.ptinews.com/news/424351_Elders-concerned-over-move-to-de-reserve-SC--ST--OBC-posts

Elders concerned over move to de-reserve posts

STAFF WRITER 15:11 HRS IST
New Delhi, Dec 15 (PTI) Members today voiced concern in the Rajya
Sabha over the government's reported to move to de-reserve posts meant
only for SCs/STs and OBCs, a charge denied by the Minister of State
for Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, J D Seelam (Cong) said Government
should immediately withdraw any such move otherwise there would be
widespread unrest by the SCs/STs and OBCs.

Associating with him, D Raja (CPI) said it is a very serious matter.
While the government is claiming that it is for inclusive growth, what
Department of Personnel is doing is just the opposite.

Terming it as "insensitive" and "irresponsible", Raja said government
cannot take steps against the interest of SC/ST in the name of
people's interest.

Denying the charges, Chavan said the DoPT office memorandum was a
progressive step.

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[ZESTCaste] Assembly approves SC/ST reservations

 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Assembly-approves-SC/ST-reservations/articleshow/5342142.cms

Assembly approves SC/ST reservations
TNN 16 December 2009, 06:23am IST

PANAJI: The Goa Assembly on Tuesday ratified a key constitutional
amendment approved by Parliament to extend reservation of seats for
SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for a further
period of 10 years.

The approval came amidst suggestions from both benches for a radical
change in approach at all levels to improve the communities'
socio-economic conditions.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who moved the resolution, conceded that
SCs/STs still face injustice and atrocities. "Will these things stop?
We need to introspect and act through our heart to stop it totally,"
he said.

Claiming that the situation was "better in Goa as compared to other
states", he said his government had initiated the process to ensure
that a separate tribal welfare department would start functioning by
April 1, 2010.

Countering BJP MLA Damodar "Damu" Naik's earlier comment that the
10-year extension was a matter of shame for the Congress, Kamat said
his party had the maximum number of MPs from the two communities in
both houses of Parliament. A decision on setting up a ST commission
was also taken.

Opposition leader, Manohar Parrikar, while backing the resolution,
said that what was contemplated by the co-framers of the Constitution
had not been achieved. "We lack conviction," he lamented. He said in
Goa, there are no political reservations.

Dayanand Narvekar pointed out that out of 543 seats in both houses of
Parliament, 41 for STs and 79 for SCs (total 120) would now be
automatically reserved, while of the 3,961 seats in state assemblies,
SCs are assured of 540 and STs of 527, ie over 25%. Coupled with 33%
reservations for women, which, he said, is likely to come soon, "we
are looking at a revolution".

He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the budgetary allocation
for the communities and expressed apprehensions that money meant for
them in some sectors like fisheries is not being utilized.

BJP MLAs Ramesh Tawadkar, Laxmikant Parsekar and Vasudev Meng Gaonkar,
MGP MLA Pandurang Dhavalikar and Congress MLAs Pandurang Madkaikar and
deputy speaker Mauvin Godinho also voiced their concern on the present
plight of the communities and hoped that the resolution would improve
their conditions.

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[ZESTCaste] Political reservation for SC/ST

http://www.navhindtimes.in/news/goa-news/6329-political-reservation-for-scst

Political reservation for SC/ST
Written by NT Network
Wednesday, 16 December 2009 01:21


PANAJI: Stating that reservations alone cannot solve the problems of
the backwardness of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe
communities the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, said that
conscientious efforts should be made by the government and the society
to elevate the social, economic and political status of these
communities so that they too could become part of the developed
society.


Summing up the discussion on a resolution moved by him earlier to
ratify the amendment to the Constitution of India falling within the
purview of clause (d) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 368,
proposed to be made by the Constitution (109th amendment) Bill, 2009,
as passed by the Parliament, providing for reservations to SC/ST
communities in the political setup and extending reservation in other
areas, he said that this was an important amendment aimed at ending
backwardness of these communities.
"We have to act with our hearts to end the backwardness of the SC/ST
communities or this process of providing for reservations, ostensibly
aimed at the progress of the communities would continue indefinitely,"
said the Chief Minister adding that the resolution was also aimed at
ensuring that the benefits under the reservation reached to those whom
it was intended. He also said that UPA government has taken various
steps for the welfare of the communities.
Mr Kamat said that the SC/ST communities have developed much better in
the state than in other parts of the country, even as he said that the
government was making continuous efforts to uplift the status of these
communities.

He further said that Rs 2.5 crore have been released to the ST
Corporation for implementation of various schemes and that his
government was committed to the welfare of the STs in the state. He
also said that a commission for the welfare of the communities would
be set up on Andhra Pradesh model and that the new department would be
functional from April 2010.
The House passed the resolution unanimously even as some members of
the House urged the government to convey the feelings of the House to
the Centre to provide for political reservations in state legislative
assembly and other bodies for the ST communities, which has not been
done in view of there being no specific date as regards to ST
communities and the major communities got ST status in 2003 while the
reservations were made on 2001 census.
The leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar who opened the
discussion on the resolution said that despite the reservation having
been made almost 60 years ago the desired goal aimed at upliftment of
the SC and ST communities has not been met and the process of
extending the reservations has been continuing every decade. He said
that political reservation might not be practical in Goa.
Congress MLA and Aldona legislator, Mr Dayanand Narvekar said that UPA
has taken various steps for upliftment of downtrodden people,
including SC/ST communities and women, for whom a 33 per cent
reservation in all elected bodies was being made for. He said that
though the state had a ST population of around 30 per cent adequate
provisions have not been made for their development. He called for a
centralised agency to monitor implementation of programmes for welfare
of STs.
Mr Francisco D'Souza (BJP, Mapusa) said that if concerted efforts were
made the status of the SC/ST communities whose population was small
could be elevated over the next ten years and that there would not be
further need of extending similar benefits in future. He said that
reservations should not be just constitutional exercise.
The Panchayat Minister, Mr Manohar Azgaonkar said that despite all the
provisions aimed to protect the rights of the SC communities they
still continued to be discriminated, and brought to the notice of the
House that in his constituency special glasses/plates were used to
serve the SC people in some of the hotels.
At this point the Speaker, Mr Pratapsing Rane urged the Minister to
bring such cases to the notice of the government so that strict action
could be taken against the errant hoteliers. Mr Ramesh Tawadkar
(Poiguinim), Mr Vasudev Gaonkar (Sanguem), Mr Damodar Naik (Fatorda),
Mr Laxmikant Parsekar (Mandrem) all BJP, Mr Mauvin Godinho (Cortalim),
Mr Pandurang Madkaikar (Cumbharjua), Ms Victoria Fernandes (St Cruz)
all Congress, and Mr Pandurang Dhavalikar participated in the
discussion.


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[ZESTCaste] Anti-Telangana group develops caste cracks

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Anti-Telangana-group-develops-caste-cracks/articleshow/5341968.cms

Anti-Telangana group develops caste cracks
Subodh Ghildiyal, TNN 16 December 2009, 04:09am IST


NEW DELHI: The resistance to Telangana statehood developed caste
cracks on Tuesday when three MPs belonging to Scheduled Caste from
Rayalaseema and coastal regions told party leadership that they were
for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

The backing for Telangana statehood from Harsha Kumar, backed by
Chinta Mohan and Panabaka Lakshmi, took the anti-faction by surprise
as they lobbied defence minister A K Antony to roll back the
bifurcation announcement. They were supported by another MP who is an
OBC.

The dalit MPs feel that statehood for Telangana would resolve their
fear of SC sub-categorisation, which has divided the dalits along
Mala-Madiga camps.

Sub-categorisation, struck down by the court since, led to 15% dalit
quota in jobs and education apportioned between four dalit groups,
with Malas getting 6% and Madigas 7%. The reason for sub-division was
the feeling that Malas had cornered quota benefits disproportionate to
their population, leading to their inequitable distribution among SC
groups. Malas are opposed to sub-quota as it limits the share they can
compete for to a mere 6%.

Harsha Kumar feels that carving out Telangana from AP would end the
fear of sub-categorisation. In fact, it may turn Malas in favour of
the move. His reasoning is simple. Madigas outnumber Malas (70% to
30%) in Telangana. While the two have nearly equal strength in
Rayalaseema, Malas are said to form 80% of the population in coastal
region to 20% Madigas.

Once Telangana, where Madigas are 70% of SCs, is taken out of AP, the
share of Madigas in SC population in the remaining state would dip
sharply while that of Malas would go up considerably. Any move to
reintroduce sub-division of SCs would be done on the revised SC
population in state. Here, Malas would form a big chunk and thus get a
bigger share of sub-quota. Kumar said, "If Telangana is separated, the
Mala share in dalit quota (15%) would be 12%.


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[ZESTCaste] Two student-authors explain in lucid terms how the Indian judiciary upheld reservation in order to defend substantive equality.

http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20100101262607500.htm

BOOKS

Logic of reservation

V. VENKATESAN

Two student-authors explain in lucid terms how the Indian judiciary
upheld reservation in order to defend substantive equality.

OBservers of Indian social reality are sometimes at a loss to
understand how the Indian Constitution emphasises equality and at the
same time provides for reservation in education and employment and in
representative bodies. This seeming dichotomy has often been resolved
by the judiciary – and when it failed to do so, by Parliament – in
favour of substantive equality as originally envisaged by the
Constitution-makers. Students of India's experiment in equality
jurisprudence have often found the absence of comprehensive and
up-to-date literature on the subject a major constraint in
understanding the rationale for continued reservation for the
Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and the Backward Classes. The
need for a comprehensive book on how Parliament, State legislatures,
and the judiciary resolved every major challenge to substantive
equality was always felt.

Marc Galanter's Competing Equalities: Law and the Backward Classes in
India, no doubt, fills this void to some extent; but it was published
in 1984. Since then, jurisprudence on substantive equality has
expanded and there have been new controversies such as the one over
the implementation of the Mandal Commission report, the exclusion of
the creamy layer from among the beneficiaries of reservation, and the
introduction of reservation in admission to private educational
institutions. Sensing the void, the authors – undergraduate students
of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad – have put together this
remarkable book, keeping the requirements of both the lay person and
the student in mind.

At the outset, the authors try to grapple with the logic of
reservation, as originally understood by the Constitution-makers.
According to them, what originated as a system of division of labour
among Brahmins, or the priestly class; Kshatriyas, or the warriors;
Vaishyas, or the trading class; and Shudras, or those involved in
menial labour, developed over the ages into an evil that has plagued
Indian society like none other. One hopes that the authors do not
subscribe to the belief that such a division of labour was
intrinsically innocent. They rightly suggest that a key task that
awaited those who wrote the Constitution was the negation of the
divisive societal forces that had grown parasitically on the above
classification.

They add that mere negation may not have read as well with the other
provisions of the Constitution as those urging measures to
counterbalance them. Hence, the framers of the Constitution engaged in
efforts to eradicate the effects of past discrimination by providing
an effective equality and equalisation code, well supplemented by a
mandate for social justice that would ultimately result in a unified
society. Thus were born Articles 14 to 17 as part of the fundamental
rights. The efforts, as the authors rightly point out, have gained
tremendous momentum in their implementation.

But the story of this implementation will be incomplete without
discussing the nature of the resistance to it. Article 14 is the
general equality provision, interpreted to include the principle of
equal treatment of equals and unequal treatment of unequals. In
itself, Article 14 must be considered the source of legitimacy for
reservation for Dalits and the Backward Classes, who cannot otherwise
compete with the advantaged sections of society on equal terms because
of historical disabilities. This was the consideration of the
Constitution-makers, who did not see the need for Article 15(4) or
Article 15(5), which provide for reservation in educational
institutions. These clauses were inserted in 1951 and 2006,
respectively, through constitutional amendments.

As the authors recall, the Supreme Court, in the case of Champakam
Dorairajan, interpreted the absence of a provision such as Article
16(4) (reservation for Backward Classes in public services) in Article
15 (anti-discrimination provision) as placing hurdles in the way of
the state's attempt to provide for reservation in educational
institutions. Champakam Dorairajan had successfully challenged, in the
Madras High Court, the validity of the communal Government Order
issued by the then Madras State fixing a number of seats for
particular communities in the engineering and medical colleges of the
State. Thus, out of every 14 seats, six were to be allotted to
non-Brahmin Hindus, two to Backward Hindus, two to Brahmins, two to
"Harijans", one to an Anglo-Indian or an Indian Christian and one to a
Muslim. The petitioner did not actually apply for admission in the
medical college, but she stated that on inquiry she came to know that
she would not be admitted in the college because she was a Brahmin.
The State of Madras appealed against the High Court's order striking
down the G.O. in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court's seven-judge
Bench upheld the High Court's order. This led to protests in the State
and to an amendment to the Constitution to ensure social justice.

The Interim Parliament thus came up with the First Constitutional
Amendment in 1951, introducing Article 15(4), helping to kick-start
endeavours at equalisation by the state. The insertion of Article
15(5), through the 93rd Constitutional Amendment in 2006, to make
clear provisions for reservation in admissions to private educational
institutions (barring minority institutions), was upheld by the
Supreme Court in the Ashoka Kumar Thakur case in 2008.

The core of various Supreme Court judgments on reservation is the
consistent ruling that caste alone cannot be the criterion for
identifying the beneficiaries as it would militate against the
principle of anti-discrimination embodied in Article 15(1). The
judiciary, therefore, had to invent the concept of the "creamy layer"
in order to bring in the economic criterion, along with caste, to
justify reservation. The creamy layer principle has been followed
since 1993 to exclude economically well-off persons from the ambit of
reservation in the public services, following the Supreme Court's
judgment in the Indra Sawhney case.

Another principle consistently followed by the Supreme Court, since
its decision in the M.R. Balaji case in 1961, is the maximum limit of
50 per cent for reservation in the public services and in educational
institutions. This is because the court believes that reservation
upwards of 50 per cent will militate against merit and efficiency,
which are equally important constitutional values, and will also
result in reverse discrimination with very few seats or vacancies
remaining for the non-backward classes. The pros and cons of both
these principles have been debated since then and the Supreme Court is
still to dispose of some serious challenges to them.

The book examines Articles 14 to 17 in terms of the drafting history,
interpretation of the key words in the texts of all their clauses, and
the meanings they acquired during their application and as decided by
the courts. Readers with a keen interest in understanding these
provisions will find the book very useful.

DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT

Its discussion of the term "discrimination" is more nuanced than what
one generally expects. Drawing from diverse case law, the book argues
that differential treatment of a class does not amount to
discrimination against that class unless there is prejudicial
treatment or deprivation of class rights. It is pointed out that
discrimination refers to unfavourable/prejudicial treatment of a class
of people (which may include a single individual as well) vis-a-vis
another class.

Whether there exists a right to reservation is another issue discussed
at length in this book. While conceding that Articles 15(4) and 16(4)
– enabling reservation for the Backward Classes in educational
institutions and in the public services, respectively – are enabling
provisions and do not guarantee a fundamental right to reservation,
the authors suggest that there exists a positive right to substantive
equality guaranteed by Article 14. Even though fundamental rights are
generally negative in nature, that is, they do not require any
positive actions from the state for their guarantee, there are certain
rights that would automatically stand violated by the state's
inaction, they say.

Article 14 postulates that unequals be treated unequally. The state's
inaction would amount to unequals being treated equally. Hence, the
authors are convinced that there is a positive obligation on the state
to treat the Backward Classes more favourably. The state has the
discretion to decide in what manner they should be treated more
favourably, and an action exercised in favour of this discretion
cannot be questioned on the grounds that it is insufficient. However,
failure to exercise this discretion would amount to violation of the
right to substantive equality, they suggest.

The book's discussion of Article 17 – prohibiting the practice of
untouchability – could have been more elaborate. The authors rightly
note that while the fundamental rights are not enforceable against
private individuals, Article 17 is an exception and it makes it
mandatory for the state to make sure that private individuals do not
practice untouchability. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and
the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)
Act, 1989, were both enacted to give effect to Article 17.

The Supreme Court quashed a challenge to the 1989 Act and upheld its
constitutional validity in State of Madhya Pradesh vs. Ram Krishna
Balothia in 1995 (3 SCC 221). Earlier, the Rajasthan High Court upheld
the Act in the case of Jai Singh vs. Union of India (AIR 1993 Raj
177). The book could have discussed the import of these judgments to
throw light on the gap between the objects of the Act and the social
reality. The continued practice of untouchability across the country
vindicates the need to continue reservation for the S.Cs and the S.Ts
beyond the constitutionally stipulated deadlines. The authors may well
discuss this aspect in the next edition of the book.

The book includes as annexures nine informative articles by law
students on different dimensions of reservation.


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[ZESTCaste] At this marriage fair in Gujarat, you can look beyond caste

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_at-this-marriage-fair-in-gujarat-you-can-look-beyond-caste_1324222

Daily News & Analysis

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 10:12:00 AM

At this marriage fair in Gujarat, you can look beyond caste

S Krishnan / DNA


Now, giving a matrimonial ad in newspapers is a passé. Engagement
fairs are the latest way of finding a life partner. Such a fair, first
of its kind in the city will be held next week. This fair will bring
face-to-face more than 1,000 bachelors and single women, providing
them with an opportunity to choose their life partners irrespective of
caste.

The 'Bhavya Jeevansathi Pasandgi Mela' will be organised for Vaishnav,
Jain, Brahmin and Patel on December 25. This will help introduce the
potential brides and grooms as their faces will be flashed on a giant
screen with their respective details, including academic qualification
and career details.

Bhavikaa Shah, lecturer in HK College of Commerce, who is organising
the event, said, "The choice of proper life partner is a major problem
for every youngster. The idea of this mela is to gather maximum
candidates along with their parents at one place in order to give them
a wider choice in choosing their life partner irrespective of their
castes."

She further said, "The fair will also provide relief to girls who have
to go through humiliating experiences like groom's parents measuring
their height, or examining their feet and hands."

"There are cases where the boy's family reject a particular proposal,
causing an inferiority complex in the girl."

Gujaratis are increasingly becoming open to out-of-caste marriages.
"Most people like to marry within their own caste. But, here in this
mela, I have provided the prospective brides and grooms to interact
with each other without bothering about their castes. Hence, providing
an ideal example to the society." explained Shah.

Free jyotishi seva will also be made available in order to match
horoscopes. Shah explained, "Three supervisors and around twenty
students from H.K. College of Commerce will help in organising the
event. More than 1000 members including NRIs will be taking part in
the event."

Pratik Patel, a third-year B.Com student, said, "It is a good thing."


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[ZESTCaste] Two sell Dalit family as bonded labourers, arrested

 

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/two-sell-dalit-family-as-bonded-labourers-arrested/107204-3.html?from=tn

Two sell Dalit family as bonded labourers, arrested

CNN-IBN

SOME RELIEF: The victim Mahaveer, his wife and their children were
allegedly sold in 2008.
New Delhi: Two people belonging to an upper caste family have been
arrested from Ajmer after CNN-IBN reported on how they sold an entire
Dalit family.

The Dalit family was allegedly sold for Rs 2.75 lakh as bonded labourers.

The accused have been charged with dealing in slavery, bonded labour
and extortion.

The victim Mahaveer, his wife and their children were allegedly sold
to a furnace factory owner in 2008.

They came to know of the sale only when they asked the owner for their wages.

The family was then allegedly beaten up and warned against going to the police.

But Mahavir and his family escaped and lodged a complaint with the police.

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[ZESTCaste] 'Discrimination continues even in Goa's reserved constituency'

 

http://sify.com/news/39-Discrimination-continues-even-in-Goa-39-s-reserved-constituency-39-news-National-jmprOecfihh.html

'Discrimination continues even in Goa's reserved constituency'

2009-12-15 17:50:00

Goa's only Scheduled Caste (SC) cabinet minister Manohar Azgaonkar
Tuesday alleged that members of the SC community in his reserved
constituency of Dhargal were still not treated at par with others.

Azgaonkar, a panchayati raj minister in the Congress-led coalition
government, was speaking during the winter session of the Goa
legislative assembly here.

'Even today these people are not treated on par with others in my own
constituency, which is reserved as a Scheduled Caste assembly seat.
When they go to a hotel to have tea, they are still given separate
cups specially kept for them,' Azgaonkar said.

Azgaonkar said that attempts by him to rouse the Dalit community into
resisting such social humiliation had failed.

'When I try to get them out, they say Babu (Azgaonkar's popular alias)
you will do it for one day. Then we will be left to face the wrath by
ourselves,' the minister said.

Speaker Pratapsing Rane, who intervened at this juncture, told the
minister to complain to the state administration about the social
injustice.

'It's a serious issue. You must complain so that action is taken in
such cases. This is not accepted,' Rane said.

Goa, one of the most popular coastal tourism havens in the country, is
otherwise known for its predominantly western and bohemian outlook.

SEARCH

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[ZESTCaste] Nepal: Price tag powers craze for Sanskrit

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Price+tag+powers+craze+for+Sanskrit+&NewsID=214417

Price tag powers craze for Sanskrit
Last Updated : 2009-12-15 12:18 PM
The Himalayan Times
Manoj Shrestha

BIRATNAGAR: It is a role reversal for 12-year-old Subeda Khatun.
Contrary to her religious beliefs, the Saraswati Tole resident has
been enjoying her Sanskrit classes in school.


What is the reason behind her new-found interest? Well, it is an
economic consideration. Boarding schools in this commercial hub in the
eastern region are often out of bounds for a majority of parents. The
Khatuns, too, fall in that category. Guided by the mantra of
inexpensive but good education, they enrolled Subeda in Gayatri
Sanskrit School. But the move has not gone down well with her
community members. Many are making fun of her. "How can a Muslim girl
study Sanskrit?" is the common refrain.


However, an unfazed Subeda is proud of her accomplishment. "I'm now
proficient in one of the classical languages in the world," she said.
Gayatri Sanskrit School has been a source of empowerment for
impoverished children, hailing from Muslim, Dalit and Janajati
communities.


The institution, which is located bang in the middle of Saraswati Tole
- a Muslim-dominated locality, provides education for free, much to
the relief for hard-up parents.


Bina Kumari Khatwe, 16, is a student of Grade IX. The teenager, too,
is making best use of this golden opportunity. So much so that she is
now adept at translation from her mother tongue — Nepali — to
Sanskrit.


Chakrapani Upadhyaya, teacher, Gayatri Sanskrit School, gave an
insight into the equal opportunity institution's "yeoman service".


Presently, around 500 students are on its rolls. Of the total
strength, around 40 per cent are Janajatis. Though there are 25 per
cent high caste Brahmin students, the egalitarian trait is well in
place, thanks to a sizeable representation by the Muslims and Dalits.


"In a significant breakdown of religious barrier, 24 Muslim students
have become fluent in Sanskrit," said Upadhyaya.


Teacher Kishor Acharya also lauded the Dalit and Janajati students'
avid interest in the ancient language. But, the cost is what
attracting parents to Gayatri Sanskrit School. Compare this: Usually,
a boarding school charges a monthly fee of minimum Rs 900. While, the
annual expense at Gayatri Sanskrit School is only Rs 300.


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[ZESTCaste] Govt to table Ranganath Mishra Commission report in Parliament soon

 

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_govt-to-table-ranganath-mishra-commission-report-in-parliament-soon_1324064

Daily News & Analysis

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 7:24:00 PM

Govt to table Ranganath Mishra Commission report in Parliament soon

PTI

The government will soon table in Parliament the controversial
Ranganath Mishra Commission report, which has reportedly recommended
reservation for minorities and SC status to Dalits.

Parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, however, did not
specify the date for tabling the report. The winter session of
Parliament is concluding on December 21.

Opposition members have been insisting that the government table the
report along with action taken report (ATR) before long.

Government sources, however, said since Ranganath Mishra Commission
was not constituted under the Commission of Enquiry Act, there is no
necessity for submitting an ATR with it.

The government will also introduce the Commercial Division of High
Courts Bill, 2009, aiming at formation of special courts for speedy
disposal of commercial cases, in Lok Sabha this week.

The commercial divisions of the High Courts will take up cases worth
Rs 5 crore and above. It will follow a fast track procedure for the
disposal of such cases which otherwise take the normal time taking
route.

Judges with aptitude in accountancy and commercial matters will be
allocated to this division in various high courts. The Ministry of Law
and Justice has already sent the bill for cabinet approval.

National Capital Territory (NCT) bill, dealing with the issue of
increasing ceiling in NCT areas, is being introduced tomorrow in Lok
Sabha.

Other important bills, which will come up before Parliament in this
session are Civil Defence Amendment Bill, which focuses on imparting
training to the youths in disaster management, NREGA Amendment Bill,
Trademark Amendment Bill and Metallurgy Bill.

Bansal said the session will run till December 21 as per schedule and
there was no plan to conclude it early.

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