Rising atrocities against Dalits

The recent report on atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India has garnered significant attention due to alarming statistics regarding caste-based violence. Released under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the report sheds light on the prevalence of these crimes, the efficacy of legal responses, and the overall safety of marginalized communities in India.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Concentration of Cases:
  • Scheduled Castes: Nearly 97.7% of atrocities against SCs in 2022 were reported from just 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh leading in numbers.
    • Uttar Pradesh: 12,287 cases (23.78% of total).
    • Rajasthan: 8,651 cases (16.75%).
    • Madhya Pradesh: 7,732 cases (14.97%).
    • Other significant states include Bihar (6,799 cases), Odisha (3,576), and Maharashtra (2,706), which collectively account for approximately 81% of all SC-related cases.
  • Scheduled Tribes: For STs, 98.91% of reported atrocities also concentrated in 13 states.
    • Madhya Pradesh: 2,979 cases (30.61% of total ST cases).
    • Rajasthan: 2,498 cases (25.66%).
    • Odisha: 773 cases (7.94%).
    • Other notable states include Maharashtra (691 cases) and Andhra Pradesh (499 cases).
  • Total Registered Cases: A total of 51,656 cases were registered under the SC/ST Act for SCs, while 9,735 cases were reported for STs in 2022.
  • Investigation and Charge-Sheeting:
    • SC Cases:
      • 38% resulted in charge sheets.
      • 78% were concluded with final reports due to false claims or lack of evidence.
      • Pending Investigations: 17,166 cases.
    • ST Cases:
      • 32% resulted in charge sheets.
      • 71% concluded with final reports.
      • Pending Investigations: 2,702 cases.
    • Conviction Rates: The conviction rate for cases under the Act declined to 4% in 2022 from 39.2% in 2020, indicating a worrying trend in legal accountability.
    • Special Courts: Of 498 districts in 14 states, only 194 have established special courts to expedite trials under the SC/ST Act, highlighting inadequate judicial infrastructure to handle such cases.
    • Atrocity Prone Districts: Only 10 states and Union Territories identified districts prone to atrocities, while Uttar Pradesh, despite high case numbers, claimed no atrocity-prone areas.

Why violence against dalits continues to rise?

• Brahmanical Order and Caste Hierarchies: The deeply entrenched Brahmanical social structure perpetuates notions of superiority among upper castes, reinforcing their control over Dalits. This psychological ascendancy enables continued discrimination and violence.
• Feudal Power Dynamics: In rural areas, the feudal system is closely tied to caste and gender hierarchies. Upper and middle castes, who predominantly own land, maintain power over landless Dalits.
• Economic Disparities: Dalits often work as landless laborers with little access to education and economic opportunities. The disparity in land ownership leads to a systemic oppression that manifests as violence, as upper castes feel threatened by any assertion of rights or autonomy from Dalits.
• Normalization of Atrocities: Dehumanizing acts, such as forced consumption of waste or physical humiliation, are prevalent in certain areas. Such atrocities are often normalized within communities.
• Urbanization and Globalization: Rapid urbanization, influenced by globalization, has created new forms of caste-based exploitation. In urban settings, Dalits often find themselves relegated to low-wage, menial jobs. The exploitation continues, with manual scavenging being a particularly egregious example of caste violence.
• Intersection of Gender and Caste: It amplifies violence, particularly against Dalit women. They face dual oppression, both from their caste status and gender, leading to increased vulnerability to sexual violence and discrimination.

Solutions

• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: While laws exist to protect Dalits, enforcement remains weak. Strengthening the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and ensuring swift justice can deter violence.
• Education and Awareness: Comprehensive education programs aimed at both Dalits and upper-caste communities can challenge caste-based prejudices and promote social equality. Awareness campaigns should focus on the rights of Dalits and the importance of respecting human dignity.
• Providing access to education, vocational training, and employment opportunities can empower Dalits economically.
• Encouraging dialogue and engagement between different caste communities can foster mutual understanding and respect.
• Policies addressing the specific challenges faced by Dalit women should be prioritized. Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and legal protections can mitigate violence and promote gender equality.
• Regular monitoring of violence against Dalits and the effectiveness of protective measures is crucial. Accountability mechanisms for law enforcement and local authorities can help ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and victims receive justice.