DSS demands reclaiming land reserved for Dalits from private hands

[email protected] (CD Network, Photo by Ahmed Anwar )

December 15, 2013

Mangalore, Dec 15: Karnataka Dalita Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) (Ambedkar Vadha) has demanded sanctioning lands reserved for the Dalits under the Land Reforms Act to its genuine beneficiaries.

Addressing a news conference in Mangalore on Sunday DSS State Convener Malavalli Shankar said that the lands reserved for the SC/STs under the land reforms Act have been either acquired by the Forest department or have been encroached by the upper classes.

“In Belthangady taluk alone 1193.02 hectare of land has been acquired by forest department and other public leaving the actual beneficiaries of the land landless. Even the Dharmasthala Education Trust had acquired 43 hectare of reserved land for Dalits,” he said demanding authorities concerned to take action against the Trust and vacate the land at the earliest.

Anti-Superstition Bill

Demanding the implementation of the proposed Anti-Superstition Bill, Mr Shankar said that there are baseless oppositions cropping up from various quarters against the Bill on the grounds that it is against religions.

“The draft copy of the Act submitted by National Law School of India University (NLSIU) speaks of banning inhuman practices like human sacrifices, made snana, blind beliefs and witch craft,” said Mr Shankar.

Stressing for a ban on 'made snana' he said it is a worst and dirtiest ritual followed to exploit people from lower caste. “This has to be banned to protect the dignity of people,” he said.

Ambedkar Hall

Speaking of the Ambedkar community hall at Angadigudde at Urvastore in Mangalore, which has been languishing over several years, he said that though a sum of Rs 4.5 crore was released for the same, the amount still lies with the district administration, which needs to be released immediately.

Paurakarmikas

Talking of the plight in which the Paurakarmikas have been toiling over several years to keep the city clean, he said that there are some paurakarmikas who have served over 20 years and are still working as temporary workers.

“Their services must be regularized,” he said adding that the funds reserved for dalits under different government schemes have to be utilised for the welfare of dalits.

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