Stop discrimination: Dalits

Activists under the banner of Karnataka Rajya Dalitha Sangharsha Samithi staged a protest alleging that even though country was celebrating its 66th Independence Day, Dalits continue to face discrimination.

Observing that the government was imposing laws to hinder progress of Dalits, they demanded that discrimination should be stopped.

Shouting slogans near the deputy commissioner’s office here on Monday, the protestors said the state government should immediately waive off loans taken by Dalits from the Ambedkar Development Corporation.

They said even though government waives off loans for farmers, it is yet to provide relief to Dalits.

They demanded increase in stipend for students owing to soaring inflation. Also, seats should be given to all Dalits students, who apply for colleges.

The protestors said 1,500 Dalits were appointed as engineers during the tenure of former chief minister Dharam Singh. But, the high court had annulled the move. The state government should file a review petition and reinstate the engineers, they demanded.

The protestors said at a time when Dalits were becoming literate and gaining employment in various sectors, the government is closing state sponsored-schools.

They said it is ploy to deprive Dalits of education. Government should immediately refrain from closing the schools, they said.

District convenors Shivanna Alagodu, Rajashekar Kote, Devanahalli Somashekar, Belavatha Ramachandra and others were present.