Dalit Rights

Jodhpur division of Western Rajasthan includes six districts: Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Pali and Sirohi. It is the most backward area of Rajasthan and falls in Thar Desert. Jodhpur division has the largest area in Rajasthan and is also the least developed area. It suffers from lack of education, lack of drinking water, famine, etc.

Educationally too, the area is very backward as a result of which people suffer from lack of knowledge and become victim of superstitions and social bad customs. The society is victim of false notions and thinking.

In this backdrop Dalits of the area suffer most. Other sections of the society treat Dalits in an inhuman manner. Carrying human excreta over heads is a crime in the country, but Dalit group is still engaged in this work and in return get petty money. Civic bodies, panchayats and government offices have ignored this situation and not taking any steps to get rid of this curse. Since Dalits in large numbers are engaged in this work, they are treated as dirty and untouchable. They are kept away from temples, public ponds, schools and community events.

The main problem of Dalit society is untouchability. The higher castes make Dalits sit out of their homes and if the former have to feed them, it is done outside in leaf plates. Dalits do not have right to touch their utensils. Dalit community is facing problem of lack of education, literacy, legal knowledge, organisation and unity. Such discrimination indicates to discriminatory attitude of the society with them.

Dalits are discriminated even in government offices. Separate pitcher of drinking water for them speaks volumes about their state. The status of Dalit women is worse. While they face exploitation and atrocities in their families because of patriarchy, they also face caste-based exploitation. Dalit children are systematically kept out of schools because of discrimination in schools.

PWDDS is working to stop atrocities, discrimination and exploitation of Dalits and restoration of their rights through a number of interventions:

  • Training on Dalit agriculture land law
  • Dalit organisation strengthening
  • Establishment of Dalit Resource Centre
  • Organisation of Dalit awareness camps