Untouchability remains strong in villages: JAC urges District SP for action

Kalyanadurgam – Andhra Pradesh: The SC/ST Joint Action Committee (JAC) submitted a memorandum to the District Superintendent of Police P Jagadeesh, highlighting the prevalence of untouchability and caste discrimination in Kalyanadurgam’s villages, Anantapur district. The leaders have called for awareness programs and enforcement measures to eradicate this deep-rooted injustice, which continues to marginalize Dalits nearly eight decades after independence.

Enduring caste-based discrimination in Kalyanadurgam’s villages

JAC leaders Chelimappa and Dona Thimmappa said that Dalits in several villages under Kalyanadurgam constituency are subjected to severe caste-based discrimination. Untouchability is practiced openly, forcing Dalits to endure daily insults and indignities, such as the “two-tumbler system” in local tea shops, where they are served in separate cups to maintain caste segregation.

The continued struggle for basic dignity

Despite 78 years of independence and constitutional safeguards, caste discrimination remains rampant in rural Andhra Pradesh. “Dalits are treated as subhuman and are denied basic respect,” the JAC leaders asserted. Practices like preventing Dalits from haircuts in local barbershops and excluding them from community spaces are distressingly common in these areas, underscoring the failure of local authorities to address these human rights violations.

JAC’s call for awareness and accountability programs

The petition urges district authorities, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), and Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO), to initiate awareness programs to challenge and change caste attitudes. “We are calling for immediate steps from officials and public representatives to confront this deeply ingrained discrimination,” said Chelimappa. JAC leaders argued that a robust commitment from authorities is essential to dismantle these practices.

Statewide movement to eradicate untouchability

The JAC has vowed to intensify its campaign, with plans to expand its efforts across the state. Inspired by directives from state leadership, the JAC is preparing for a wider movement to put an end to untouchability and achieve equality for Dalits. “If the authorities remain passive, we will launch a state-level movement demanding justice,” the leaders affirmed.

Widespread discrimination across rural Andhra Pradesh

Untouchability is not limited to Kalyanadurgam; reports indicate similar issues in many rural parts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in tea stalls, temples, and public events where Dalits face exclusion and discriminatory practices. Recent surveys by social justice organizations reveal that caste segregation continues to deny equal rights to nearly 20% of the Dalit population in these areas, further emphasizing the need for systemic action.

Meeting with SP to urge action

JAC leaders, joined by Public Associations activists Maruti and Nagaraju Chennamalli, met with the SP in Kalyanadurgam, urging the police and administrative officials to uphold the law and ensure that discrimination is punished. The JAC emphasized that visible commitment from local officials is vital to foster an environment of human equality and dignity in rural communities.