Dalits should be cautious of the divisive policies of BJP-RSS:All India Peoples Front

New Delhi, The All India Peoples Front (AIPF) organized a national conference at the Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi, addressing the Supreme Court’s decision on August 1, 2024, concerning the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

• Dalits should be cautious of the divisive policies of BJP-RSS
• Supreme Court’s decision on SC-ST sub-classification is not based on facts – Prof. Thorat
• Unity of Dalits is essential to counter the corporate-Hindutva alliance – Akhilendra
• The country needs a Dalit Solidarity Forum – Darapuri
• The ‘creamy layer’ provision for OBCs should also be reviewed
• Dr. Ambedkar: National Conference Organized by AIPF at Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi on the Supreme Court’s Decision on SC-ST Sub-classification

The conference passed a resolution stating that since the Supreme Court’s Judgement, the BJP-RSS has been attempting to create divisions among Dalits by fostering caste-based animosity. Dalits must remain vigilant against these divisive tactics. The resolution further emphasized that Dalit unity is crucial to counter the destructive policies of the corporate-Hindutva alliance.

The resolution highlighted the increasing oppression faced by Scheduled Tribes across the country, with their constitutional rights being systematically denied. Large-scale plundering of natural resources and public assets was also discussed. In response, the formation of Dalit and Adivasi Solidarity Forums was deemed essential.

The resolution urged the Government of India to release caste-wise data on the representation of SCs and STs in government jobs, Give appropriate representation to Dalits through special recruitment drive in government jobs, fill up all the vacant posts in government departments immediately, and also called for a full parliamentary discussion on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding SC-ST sub-classification. The conference was presided over by AIPF National President S.R. Darapuri, NDMC Delhi Ex ACMO Dr. Rahul Das, former ACMO Dr. B.R. Gautam from Uttar Pradesh and tribal leader Savita Gond.

Conference Objectives and Key Discussions A written statement detailing the conference’s objectives was presented by AIPF founding member Akhilendra Pratap Singh. He clarified that the conference’s aim was not to create a new Dalit movement or organization but rather to pursue an ideological and political effort toward achieving political unity among SCs and STs — a unity with potentially far-reaching consequences. Singh noted that regardless of the Supreme Court’s intent, the corporate-Hindutva alliance has intensified efforts to create discord among Dalits post-verdict. He stressed that the ideological and political unity established by though of Shahu Ji Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar tradition must be preserved.

Referencing scholars Anand Teltumbde and Professor Sukhdev Thorat, Singh emphasized the need to reconsider the creamy layer provision within the reservation policy for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He also presented data indicating significant budget cuts in critical areas under the SC-ST Sub-Plan. For instance, Rs 18,121 crore was allocated for SCs in education, while STs received only Rs 9,831 crore. Similarly, funds for programs like MNREGA and public ration distribution have been reduced.

The written statement by Akhilendra Pratap Singh received unanimous support from all delegate speakers.

Main Speaker former UGC Chairman Professor Sukhdev Thorat observe that Supreme Court’s SC-ST Sub-classification judgement is not based on actual facts.

He asserted that representation of the Valmiki community in fourth- and third-class government posts is comparable to that of the so-called forward Dalit castes. He added that the verdict contradicts Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s principles, emphasizing that Ambedkar envisioned Dalits as a unified, homogenous social unit.

According to Prof. Thorat, Dr. Ambedkar recognized the graded inequality within Indian society, extending even to Scheduled Castes, though this disparity was not solely based on economic exploitation. Dr Ambedkar advocated for a dual approach toward Dalit empowerment — social and economic. While social empowerment through reservations strengthened Dalit representation, educational and economic issues remain inadequately addressed.

Call for Dalit Unity and Economic Empowerment

AIPF National President S.R. Darapuri, who presided over the conference, stressed the need for dialogue among Dalit communities to build a collective economic empowerment agenda. He called for a nationwide campaign to address socio-economic concerns.

Child specialist Dr. Nand Kishore supported the Supreme Court’s decision on sub-categorization, arguing that it would enhance representation for the most disadvantaged Dalit communities in government jobs. Supreme Court advocate Arun Kumar Manjhi opposed the verdict, deeming it unconstitutional. He asserted that Article 341 of the Indian Constitution does not empower the Supreme Court to intervene in the reservation system for Scheduled Castes.

Former ACMO Dr. Rahul Das said that Dalits are being confused through questions like classification so that the continuously increasing inflation and unemployment cannot be discussed. Today the Dalit movement will have to increase emphasis on issues like land, employment, education and health along with exposing destructive pro-corporate policies. Artist Himmat Singh highlighted the erosion of secular values due to increasing state-sponsored attacks on coexistence.

Tribal youth leader Savita Gond spotlighted severe shortages in education, healthcare, and employment in tribal regions. In Uttar Pradesh, over 1,100 of the 1,300 teacher posts reserved for Scheduled Tribes in the recent 69,000 teacher recruitment drive remain unfilled. Tribal leader Indradev Kharwar described the collapse of the MNREGA scheme, forcing widespread migration from tribal areas. He also highlighted the plight of tribal girls from Uttar Pradesh, many of whom work 12-hour shifts in other states for meager monthly wages of just Rs 10,000. Tribal leader Kripa Shankar Panika denounced the eviction of tribals from their ancestral lands and the non-implementation of the Forest Rights Act.

Several prominent speakers, including AIPF National Vice President Shagufta Yasmeen, Dr. Brij Bihari, Ashok Dhangad, leftist activist Umakant, former DIOS Shiv Chand Ram, Ram Shankar, Nanhe Lal, Karan Ram Ashok, and Raghavendra, presented their views.

The conference’s resolution was proposed by Ram Bhawan Ram and vote of thanks given by Dr. BR Gautam. Senior journalist Santosh Bharti, former Acting Director of the Correspondence Department of Allahabad University Rekha Singh, and social worker Ashok Bharti were also present.

Courtesy: Counter Currents

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