Protests erupt over Dalit SHG members’ removal from Mid-day Meal Scheme

Holagunda – Andhra Pradesh: BSS State President Ramatheertham Amaresh and Malamanadu State General Secretary Nandavaram Narasappa led a protest at the Holagunda Mandal Education Office, accusing local authorities of discrimination against Dalit women self-help group (SHG) members, recently dismissed from their roles in the village mid-day meal program.

SHG members removed without notice

For over 30 years, Dalit women from Vandavagili village in Holagunda Mandal have participated in the mid-day meal scheme, providing critical financial support to their families. This year, however, four SHGs—Shiva, Gandhi, Shanti, and Ambedkar groups—were removed from the cooking agency without any prior notice, allegedly due to their SC Madiga caste affiliation.

Allegations of caste-based discrimination

Leaders alleged that newly appointed SMC chairman Chigili Mallappa, with support from village Telugu Desam Party leaders, unilaterally submitted false information to local officials, leading to the exclusion of these SHGs. The group claims these actions were discriminatory, motivated solely by caste prejudice, as other private individuals were assigned to the cooking agency without a fair investigation.

Demand for reinstatement and fair inquiry

Protesters demanded an immediate, unbiased re-investigation and reinstatement of the SHG members in their original positions. They warned of escalating the issue to district, state, and central authorities if justice is not served.

Officials respond to Protests

Holagunda MEO Satchidananda assured the protestors that a re-inquiry would be conducted to ensure justice. However, he distanced himself from the decision, attributing the changes to the mid-day meal program Chairman (MRO). BSS State President Amaresh also reached out to the MRO, who similarly claimed no responsibility, suggesting the changes were based solely on MEO’s statements.

Community support for SHG members

Community leaders and SHG women members, including Sujatha, Chinna Gangamma, Tayamma, Lakshmi, Mahankali, Lalitamma, Eeramma, Durgamma, Hampamma, Narasamma, Maremma, Vannooramma, Hanumanthamma, Anjanamma and others, joined the protest, highlighting the strong local support for the dismissed SHG members and their demand for fair treatment in the mid-day meal scheme.