The protesters alleged while the rules stipulate that the meeting should have been called once every three months, the administration has not convened the meeting since June 2009. The meeting provided a forum for Dalits to convey their problems to the
administration. Officials used to discharge their duties towards Dalits diligently fearing that any discrimination would be raised in the meeting. This had ensured a minimum social just
ice to the oppressed class. However, as the meeting has not been called, the only forum available for Dalits to give vent to their problems has been rendered useless. Thus, the attitude of the administration is itself responsible for the increased atrocities on Dalits in the taluk, Prajasene state secretary Sulikunte Anand alleged.
He further complained that the administration in the taluk has collapsed paving way for corruption and irregularities. The atrocities on Dalits has increased due to discriminatory policies.
The protesters sought the taluk administration to convene the meeting of the Committee at the earliest.
(Published 20 July 2010, 17:58 IST)