Survey shows caste bias against Dalits in TN Dist

Madurai, Feb 21 (UNI) As many as 21 types of caste discrimination, including 'two-tumbler' system, still existed in 47 villages of this district of Tamil Nadu, according to a recent survey by the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front, a non-governmental organisation.

Addressing the press here today, Front State Convener P Sampath said a fact-finding team which conducted the survey in the villages found practices like restriction on Dalits entering local temples, community halls and main streets, saloons and denial of basic amenities went unchecked.

Even after 60-years of Independence, Dalits in rural areas were facing a variety of discrimination and bias, he claimed.

In Uthapuram Village, a half-a-km wall was erected by the upper caste segregating the Dalit residential colony, he alleged.

Mr Sampath said though caste bias was still unchecked in rural parts in several districts, the government was giving false picture saying there was no such discrimination.

Mr Sampath said though several crores of rupees were allocated under various schcmes for the welfare and progress of Dalits and tribals, they were not utilised properly.

He accused the police and district administration of having failed to take concrete steps to end caste bias.

If the government failed to take stern action against caste bias, the Front would organise state-level protests, he warned.

The Front would conduct a conference in Chennai on February 24 to discuss various issues concerning Dalits, including non-provision of proper toilets to 80 lakh households, leading to a situation wherein human faeces was carried on the head by humans.

Leaders of various political parties and Dalit outfits would participate in the Conference, he added.

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