Dalit rights in Karnataka: Shingatalur salon opens after haircuts were reportedly denied

The Karnataka government has supported a new salon in Shingatalur village, Gadag district, after Dalit residents reportedly faced denial of hair-cutting and tonsure services during a set period each year. Set up with the Social Welfare Department and local bodies, the shop forms part of an untouchability eradication and social harmony programme.

The Karnataka government has helped open a salon in Shingatalur village of Gadag district. Officials acted after claims that Dalits were refused hair-cutting services by upper-caste residents. Sources in the Social Welfare Department said the step aimed to ensure equal access to everyday services and reduce caste-based barriers.

Department sources said Dalit residents had faced refusal of tonsure services for years. The problem appeared during a particular period each year. Many residents then travelled to nearby villages for haircuts. After Dalit residents gave representations, authorities intervened and worked on a solution within the village.

Karnataka government action on Dalit haircut denial

The Social Welfare Department sources said the shop was created under an untouchability eradication awareness and harmonious living programme. The stated goal was social harmony and fair access. Officials said petitions from affected residents led to action. Authorities then ensured a permanent arrangement for barber services inside Shingatalur.

The salon was set up through a joint effort, sources said. The partners included the Social Welfare Department and the Taluk administration. The Taluk panchayat also joined the work. A body of Dalit organisations participated, along with the Shivasharana Hadapada Appanna community, the sources added.

Karnataka government plan and salon setup in Shingatalur

Basavaraj Hadapada from Tippapur village has been allotted the shop, according to the sources. Basavaraj Hadapada is expected to provide barber services in Shingatalur. Officials said the arrangement was designed to keep services available locally, rather than forcing residents to depend on nearby villages.

Sources said a local belief contributed to the denial of service. People reportedly believed that Veerabhadreshwara Swamy visits Hadapada community homes during Mahanavami each year. The belief held that cutting Dalits’ hair at that time could bring misfortune. Some people then stopped serving Dalits.

Department sources said the barber shop was formally opened with officials and villagers present. Officials said the intervention followed repeated complaints from residents. The new shop is meant to address the long-running refusal of tonsure services in Shingatalur and provide a stable option for haircuts.

With inputs from PTI