THE PROBLEMS OF SCHEDULED CASTE

Here I may point out that this difficulty could be got over if only our government bestowed their attention on it. For instance, the money which is at present squandered on feasts and functions and on numerous other occasions could be usefully diverted into this channel with good results. Once they realize that investment in knowledge is far better then investment in the other things, more often luxuries, a great deal will have been achieved.
Published by H.Shreyesker President Mool Bharati B.Shyam Sunder Memorial Society B. Shyam Sunder Marg . Gulbarga 585105 (Karnataka State ) e-mail shreyesker@gmail

THE PROBLEMS OF SCHEDULED CASTE B.SHYAM SUNDER Sri. Jawaharlal Nehru in the course of his speech on the role of Minorities had observed that they were like a link in a chain. And just the strength of a chain depended on individual link, so the Minorities ought to be reckoned as such. Viewed in this light I deem the problems of Scheduled Castes or for that matter those of minorities, as the greatest national problem, It is great not only because for what has been said above but also because it could, pending a satisfactory solution, release a dynamo of tremendous power and energy heralding the birth of new era where peace, plenty and prosperity would be the rule rather than the exception. This being so, what is it, one may ask, that continues to fester the Scheduled Castes which makes them impatient and uneasy? What are their grievances? Havent they represented their case to the government? And are they not satisfied with the steps being taken in this connection? It is, therefore, to put the record straight that I once again shed light on the problems of this minority hoping thereby to rouse the concern of the government and to stir their conscience. This is, however, not to suggest that the problem persists with a vengeance or that that the governments have turned their back on it. I admit that there are some good souls in our midst who have applied themselves vigorously to the task. But their radiance pales into insignificance in the sea of darkness. And the problem lingers on. For the sake of convenience I classify the problems of scheduled castes into two categories: (1) those in urban areas (2) those in rural areas. In the former category three problems may be easily recognized. They are education, services and political representation. In the latter category I list the problems of untouchability and glaring disparity in the distribution of wealth. Urban Problems To begin with the urban problems, Education continues to be a serious lacuna in the body-politic of students so for as the Harijan community is concerned. The fact is that there are still thousands of students who have the will but not the wherewithals to obtain Formal education. Unable, therefore, to get access to it, they waste their life doing petty work bringing a stigma to themselves and to their community.

Here I may point out that this difficulty could be got over if only our government bestowed their attention on it. For instance, the money which is at present squandered on feasts and functions and on numerous other occasions could be usefully diverted into this channel with good results. Once they realize that investment in knowledge is far better then investment in the other things, more often luxuries, a great deal will have been achieved. While this is the case with this unfortunate lot, those having the privilege of education fare no better. Discrimination continues in various ways and at various levels. They are also denied the benefit of proper educational facilities. The Scheduled Castes and Tribes Commissioners report highlighted the point that funds allocated by the Centre to the State governments for the use of Harijan students were still lapsing. One is indeed constrained to remark that this state of affairs is deplorable and must not be allowed to deteriorate further. Governments guilty on this point should pause for a while and see if what they doing is morally correct. If not, they should see things and earn the goodwill and gratitude of twelve crore citizens. It will not be out of place if I mention in 1932 this connection the trust I had created with the help of the Nizam of Hyderabad who was kind enough to sanction a sum of rupees one crore towards it. With this amount I was able to meet the needs of thousands of school going children besides distributing clothes among them. I, therefore, opine that much more can be done if the government comes forward with financial assistance to the depressed classes association and help them will place the government high in the estimation of the downtrodden community. I further suggest that a cess of at least 25% be levied on Muslim Wakf, Hindu and Sikh endowments and Christian assets and the amount made over to the Scheduled Castes who are leading a hand-to-mouth existence for the last 3000 years. Problem of Services I now come to the problem of services. It is true that some of the members of the community are in the high echelons of governmental posts as those of other minorities are. However, in this as in many other respects they sail in the same boat as do others. The presence of these handpicked elements therefore should not befog our judgment of the realities of the situation. While it is not necessary to prepare a catalogue on this issue, one point at least needs passing reference. I am alluding to certain advertisements appearing in newspapers which show how vicious has been set into motion. Announcements dealing with vacancies in government services show a certain number of posts reserved for Scheduled Castes. But at the same time they make it clear that the concession will be withdrawn if no suitable candidate is available. What is one to make out of this? Does it mean that there is a dearth of talent in this community required for manning a post? Though the riddle appears pointless on the face of it, it is the thin end of 3

the wedge. In the grab of such phrases politicians have planned an effective device for sieving candidates of their choice. When there is the problem of political representation. True, scheduled castes enjoy proportionate representation in legislatures and Parliament. But is that enough? a deep study of the situation has made it plain that only such of the candidates are chosen who are willing to satisfy and whims and fancies of the ruling party. Evidently this has operated to the disadvantage of the community, because while on the one hand it gives a wrong impression that the Scheduled Castes are adequately represented, it has virtually shut out deserving candidates from the scene on the other. Rural Problems Problem in rural areas is not very different from those that prevail in the city, but they have a slightly varying texture. To any dispassionate observer of rural India the overriding impression that he receives is the marked segregation in the pattern of population. In other words, it is untouchability in all its nakedness that he sees permeating the length and breadth of the countryside obviously this has told upon the lives of millions of people and the result is that they have been reduced to a position where they should either fate with silent stoicism or be Condemned to state economic and social boycott. Even otherwise things are no better. Harijan are practically isolated from all walks of life. They cannot set them themselves up in business as no member of the majority community will deal with them. Nor can they wash clothes or engage in any other work requiring the co-operation of the village population. On the farms they are landless laborers earning a bare subsistence by the sweat of their brow. The land reforms which were supposed to level down inequalities have failed even to scratch the surface in their case. No wonder they have become listless and the spirit of drive and verve, the sense of confidence and purpose, so essential for the conduct of affairs are wholly absent; instead a defeatist tendency pervades. Economic Disparity: Closely inter linked with this problem is the wide spread economic disparity briefly touched upon above. To get a glimpse of its monolithic structure one need only to tour villages when the whole scene stands before ones view. It has all the elements of a tragedy but alas: unlike the actors on the celluloid screenthey are real. I dont find it necessary to go into the ramification of this problem. They are so pain. What I want to emphasize here is that even a stimulation of the socialist pattern of society, the dream of our future and the march of our life is conspicuous by its absence. Those not well conversant with the problems in rural areas reserve their right to be optimistic when they hope that with the induction of Panchayat Raj, Community Development Schemes, etc., things will be set right gradually. Such optimism is clearly unfounded if they see things in correct perspective. I mean without the blinkers of prejudice.

They should realize that concentration of wealth in a few hands (the caste Hindus) has done immense harm to the village masses where the grass roots of democracy should be laid. By the same token it may be said that the village priests have made a capital on the ignorance and lack of administrative ability of the village ship they are steering it on their own course. And it will, I fear, run aground unless countered by an opposite force of reasoning and judgment. In retrospect, what future is in store for the Scheduled Castes as well as the minorities in India? Frankly, I am not disillusioned that their future hangs in the balance. If from my portrayal the reader gets a dismal picture of things it is because I have tried to be realistic. Unlike some of the leaders of the minority community and those at the centre who delight in showing roses, roses all the way to their audience in public meetings, I for one see things as they really exist without mixing up the picture with imaginative skill which is usually present on such occasions. But that is no reason why I should not view the future with faith and confidence. It gives me great satisfaction when I find our country under the dynamic and inspiring leadership who have been a tower of strength and a benefactor to the people of India in general and the aggrieved in particular. They have pumped lot of energy into the untouchability abolishment movement in villages. If, in spite of their efforts the problem of untouchables persists, it is because the communal elements in the country are out to foil them. I think a great deal can be done if our Constitution is implemented in letter and spirit. Further the problems of Scheduled Castes should be tackled from the economic rather than from the social-religious plane. Communal Front The formation of communal front will cut no ice for the redressal of their grievances. It will give them a feeling of aloofness which will do more harm to their cause. Also it will march the spirit of national unity, a desirable by-product of the Indo-Pak conflict. Sri. Jagjivan Ram drove home this point brilliantly when he criticized Shri Abdul Qayyum Ansari the other day for organizing the Congress Muslim front. Whatever the aims and objectives of the Muslim front, its formation is quite inopportune and unnecessary. What is more, it shows that a congressman who chides others for being antinational can himself be guilty on this count. It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. The problem of untouchability is not a new one. It has been in existence from the time of Gautam Buddha down through the ages to the present day. And during each and every period it was fought by the religious leaders of the time. For a time, of course, their endeavors seemed to have made a dent on the problem. But with the passage of years the edges of their social fabric got blunted and old forces temporarily suppressed became active again. 5

So it is by fighting the evil on the economic plane that the Scheduled Castes can get rid of it. An improvement in their standard of living will restore self-confidence and make them look with their heads held high. On the other hand, those who despite them will be compelled to deal on an equal footing. Thus I believe, is the answer to their problem.

Harijans & the General Elections

B.Shyam Sunder The Harijan problem has been engaging the attention of all progressive thinkers for the last fifty years, if not more. But it was Mahatma Gandhi who brought it to the fore-front and focused public attention from 1932 onwards, every session of the Indian National Congress had something to say about it. When the Congress decided to enter the government in 1937 and work for the Constitution despite its various limitations, it was generally expected that the new Congress Governments would implement the resolutions of their parent body and begin to practice what they had been preaching all along. But it is a regrettable fact that no serious effort was made to face the problem squarely and solve it. Congress Government either tinkered with the problem or merely touched its fringes. With the advent of Independence, Harijan leaders all over India hoped that Congress might now be able to put into practice which they could not d, while the Britishers were in power. They heaved a sigh of relief when the new constitution of the Indian Republic was promugled, because that great document contains all that any depressed and downtrodden section of humanity could wish for. It is in effect a Charter of their social and economic emancipation. Following the directives laid down in the Constitution, almost all states in India, whether A,B or C, issued circulars and enacted legislation for the uplift and betterment of the Harijans. Nine years have passed by since the Congress assumes full and independent control of the affairs of the Country. Yet, in spite of the directive of the Constitution, the legislation that various States enacted and the high-sounding and peremptory circulars of the various governments, Harijans are where they were, without any social or economic benefits accruing to them. What has actually happened is that in a fairly large number of cases persons claiming to be Harijans were put up for Parliamentary, and Assemblies, after receiving an assurance form them they would remain contend with the crumbles thrown to them and not agitate for the redress of the real grievances of the Harijans. The public in general will be surprised to know that, in most cases, Arya Samajists and Sikhs have been chosen to represent the Harijans on the mere plea they were Harijans before they were converted to the cult of the Arya Samajist or Sikhism. I do not want to specify names but anyone who doubts may statement may find out the truth after a little investigation. 6

The position in a majority of the states is that the Harijan masses continue to remain depressed and suppressed: while those who claim to be their leaders and chosen representatives are making merry at their expense and bestowing favours on their relatives, friend and supporters. I can cite instances in support of the contention and shall do so if its validity is challenged, With the Harijsns ministers dancing to the tune of the Congress of the Congress, and Harijns MLAs, remaining passive spectators, the administratative machinery, which is manned from top of bottom by non-Harijans officers, is unwilling to implement the valuable directives contained in the new Constitution of India, because they are sure that their pretext for non-compliance will be readily accepted by the authorities. Now that the General Elections are near at hand, it is time that Harijan leaders all over India began to think seriously about their future and formulate effective plans to ensure early and sincere implementation of the Constitutional directives relating to their unfortunate class. I suggest that an All India Convention of Harijan leaders from all States be held before long no devise Ways and means of fighting the next election a bases that would really lead to the uplift of the Haraijans My own thinking has led me to certain conclusions which I place before all right thinking persons for their earnest consideration. They are mainly intended forty lakhs Harijans resisting in Hyderabad State, but they could suitably modify for other states in views of the conditions and circumstances prevailing there. The elections programmers for the Harijans of Hyderabad should be based on the following demands:Taking a Taluka as the smallest administrative unit in the State, we demand that either the Tahasildar or the senior Police officer of the taluka should invariably be a Harijan, recruited on the basis of merit, provided he satisfies the minimum qualifications laid down for the post. If there happens to be four sub-inspectors of Police in a Taluka at least two of them should be Harijans. Twenty five persons of all Head masters of Primarily Schools in the state should be Harridans if government rally desires that Harridans students should bet their due share of educations. 1Hundreds boys and girls are unable to present, to take advantage of School Education because of their extreme poverty and ill health. They will be attracted to enter school, if a monthly stipend of Rs Five Rs 5/- is offered to every Harijan student joining the Primary section, Rs 7- per head in their lower secondary section and B.Shyam Sunder President The Hyderabad State Depressed Classes Association