“Though significant changes have created greater inclusion and lessened social and economic marginalisation of Dalits after independence, these changes have occurred only some parts of the country and affected only a small section of Dalits,” said ICHR Member Secretary Dr Chinna Rao.
Inaugurating a two-day workshop on ‘Concepts, context and theories of social exclusion and inclusive policy’ organised by the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy of Mangalore University on Wednesday, he said: “Vast majority of these people in the countryside still suffer from exclusion in public and private life, being illiterate and poor, remain on the margins of society. Academia has turned their attention to this subject of social exclusion only recently.”
He said the nature of exclusion revolving around the caste system particularly needs to be understood and conceptualised.
To understand the dimensions of exclusion, it is necessary to explore the societal inter-relations and institutions, which lead to exclusion of certain groups and deprivation of multiple spheres—civil, cultural, political and economic. he added.
UAS former vice-chancellor Prof Bislaiah said social exclusion is not peculiar to India. The system adopted to include those who are excluded needs to be understood.
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa presided. Registrar Dr Sundar Naik, Centre Director Prof Vishwanath were present.
