Untouchability prevalent in 24% households: Survey

Tribune News Service

Karnal, March 1

About 24 per cent of households in Haryana are still practising untouchability, revealed the 2012 round of the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS).

This was stated by Prof Amit Thorat of JNU, New Delhi, on Sunday while addressing a gathering during a programme at old vegetable market to discuss 70 years of Constitutional journey for the SC/ST and BCs. He said untouchability prevails in Haryana even after 70 years of its abolishment in 1950.

Citing the survey, Prof Thorat gave a religion break-up and said 30 per cent Jains, 26 per cent Hindus and 20 per cent Muslims in rural areas are practising untouchability.

Several other atrocities on the Dalits were highlighted by speakers. They also sought reservation in promotion.

Meanwhile, Raja Sekhar Vundru, Principal Secretary, Haryana, said as per the Constitutional mandate, Parliament had made laws for the uplift of the Dalits and BCs. They should be aware of the laws and ensure that those were implemented. “If the administration fails to implement a law, they can be taken to task by using the punitive provisions of laws such as Atrocities Act, Protection of Civil Rights Act and Safai Karamcharis Act,” he added.