Dalit organizations condemn Amit Shah’s remarks, Highlight grievances in Mangaluru meeting

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 22, 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks in Parliament, perceived as disrespectful to the architect of the Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, have sparked widespread protests across the country. Dalit organizations in Dakshina Kannada have condemned the statement and resolved to send a protest note to the state and central governments, urging legal action.

S.P. Anand, convenor of the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (Ambedkar faction), made this demand during monthly SC/ST meeting held on Sunday under the chairmanship of DCP Siddharth Goyal at the Police Commissioner’s office.

“Dalits today can lead a life of dignity because of the Constitution drafted by Ambedkar. Action must be taken against those who make derogatory remarks about such a great personality,” Anand insisted.

Concerns Over Ambedkar Bhavan and Student Accommodation
Premanath emphasized the need to protect the premises of Ambedkar Bhavan in Urwa Store by constructing a compound wall to prevent encroachment. He highlighted the plight of Dalit students arriving from other districts for education, many of whom struggle to find hostel accommodation and are forced to spend thousands on private rentals. Responding to this, the DCP assured that a representation regarding this matter would be forwarded to the concerned authorities.

Need for Women Officers in Police Stations
S.P. Anand urged the appointment of women officers at the SI and Inspector levels in women’s police stations to ensure complainants feel comfortable lodging grievances without hesitation. Currently, 35 of the 45 personnel in the women’s police station are women, and complaints can also be addressed through them, the DCP stated, adding that the need for more women officers would be brought to the attention of senior officials.

Concerns About Dalit Welfare and Employment
Anand also raised concerns over the misuse of the 24% reservation meant for Dalit communities in government-commercial buildings managed by the municipality, social welfare department, and taluk office. He alleged that buildings leased in the name of Dalits are often sublet to members of other communities at higher rents.

He further pointed out that even double graduates from the community struggle to secure government jobs. Employment schemes under the Ambedkar Corporation, previously overseen by the Deputy Commissioner, are now being handled by local MLAs, allegedly benefitting only affluent party workers. Anand demanded a return to the earlier system.

Increase in Drug Abuse Cases
Anil Kankanady urged the police to intensify awareness programs to curb the rising drug abuse in schools and colleges. The DCP noted that more cases related to drugs have been registered this year compared to the previous year, with over 1,000 instances recorded. Girish Kumar also highlighted the growing drug menace during the meeting.

Encroachment of Dalit Lands
Chandrakumar alleged that large tracts of DC-manna land in rural areas are being encroached upon, depriving Dalits of their rightful ownership.

Several others, including Ravikumar and Babu, also presented their grievances during the meeting.