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Social Justice Initiative

DALIT RIGHTS

EDUCATE. AGITATE. ORGANIZE.

For centuries, the caste system has denied millions their basic humanity. Dalit Upliftment is not about charity; it is about reparation, representation, and the annihilation of caste.

From the Constitution's promise of equality to the streets of protest, the journey continues. We stand for a society where dignity is determined by birthright as a human, not by birth into a caste.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT →SC/ST ACT 1989
Part 2: The Reality

The Fight for Dignity

Based on NCRB 2022 & Census Data
200M+
Dalit Population
16.6% of India (Census 2011)
57k
Atrocities/Year
Crimes against SCs (2022)
97%
Sanitation Work
Performed by Dalits (Safai Karamcharis)
32%
Conviction Rate
In SC/ST Act Cases

The Persistence of Untouchability

Despite being abolished by Article 17 in 1950, "untouchability" persists in subtle and overt forms. From separate utensils in rural tea shops to discrimination in corporate hiring, the caste mindset refuses to die.

Forms of Exclusion

  • Education: Dalit students often face segregation in mid-day meals and harassment in universities (Rohith Vemula case).
  • Land Rights: Though they till the land, Dalits rarely own it. They are often landless laborers in a feudal agrarian system.
  • Manual Scavenging: The forced cleaning of dry latrines and sewers by specific sub-castes is a form of modern slavery.
STATUS: MARGINALIZED

Socio-Economic Gap

Land OwnershipCritical Low

Less than 10% of Dalits own agricultural land.

Under-Trial PrisonersDisproportionate

SCs/STs/OBCs make up 75% of prison population.

Literacy GapClosing

Still lags 10-15% behind the national average.

"Caste is not a division of labour, it is a division of labourers." - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Part 3: The Law

The Constitution & Special Acts

Legal weapons to fight caste-based oppression.

SC/ST (PoA) Act 1989

Prevention of Atrocities

Strict penalties for 22 offences against Dalits (e.g., forcing to eat obnoxious substances, social boycott). No Anticipatory Bail allowed.

Non-Bailable

Article 15 & 16

Reservation Policy

Allows the state to make special provisions (reservation) for SCs/STs in education and public employment to ensure representation.

Affirmative Action

Milestones of Justice

Article 17 (1950)

"Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden." The first constitutional blow to caste.

Manual Scavengers Act 2013

Prohibits employment of manual scavengers and mandates their rehabilitation. Makes cleaning sewers without gear a crime.

Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP)

Mandates that a proportion of the government budget (equal to SC population %) MUST be spent directly on SC welfare.

Part 4: The Barriers

Why Does Caste Survive?

Social Boycott

In villages, dominant castes block Dalits from using wells, temples, or shops to punish them for asserting rights.

Police Bias

Police often refuse to register FIRs under the SC/ST Act, pressuring victims to "compromise" with the perpetrators.

Private Sector

While government jobs have reservations, the private sector has no such mandate, leading to subtle hiring discrimination.

Endogamy

The strict practice of marrying only within one's caste (95% of Indian marriages) keeps the caste lines rigid and alive.

Fake Certificates

Non-Dalits obtaining fake SC certificates to steal jobs and college seats meant for the marginalized.

YOUR ROLE

Drop the surname obsession. Support Dalit businesses. Call out casteist jokes. Educate yourself on Ambedkar's writings.

Part 5: The Response

BRAC EQUALITY PROTOCOL

Empowerment through Education, Economics, and Enforcement.

1. Education Support

The path to liberation.

• Scholarships: Funding higher education for meritorious Dalit students.
• Hostels: Safe accommodation for rural students in cities.

2. Legal Aid

Fighting atrocities.

• SC/ST Act Filing: Ensuring police register cases under the correct sections.
• Compensation: Helping victims claim immediate relief funds from the Govt.

3. Entrepreneurship

Dalit Capitalism.

• Microfinance: Loans for Dalit women to start small businesses.
• Supplier Diversity: Connecting Dalit vendors to large corporate supply chains.

4. Rehabilitation

Ending manual scavenging.

• Skilling: Training sanitation workers for alternative dignity jobs.
• One-Time Grant: Helping them access the ₹40,000 govt rehabilitation grant.

5. Cultural Assertion

Reclaiming history.

• Dalit Literature: Publishing and promoting Dalit voices and art.
• Ambedkar Circles: Reading groups to spread constitutional awareness.

ACTIVATE JUSTICE

Select your impact level. 85% of funds go directly to programs.

IMPACT LEVEL 1
₹500

Provides a set of Ambedkar's books for a community library.

DONATE NOW
RECOMMENDED
IMPACT LEVEL 2
₹5,000

Funds legal support for a victim of caste atrocity to file an FIR.

DONATE NOW
IMPACT LEVEL 3
₹20,000

Sponsors skill training for a manual scavenger to start a new life.

DONATE NOW

Tax Deductible under Section 80G.

Transparency: You will receive a donation receipt & impact report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SC/ST Act?

The Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989 protects Dalits and Adivasis from hate crimes. It denies anticipatory bail to the accused and mandates quick investigation and compensation for victims.

Is Reservation a permanent right?

Reservation is a constitutional tool for representation and social equity, not just poverty alleviation. It exists to counter centuries of historical exclusion and ensures Dalits have a voice in governance.

Is mine the donation tax deductible?

Yes. BRAC is registered under Section 80G. You will receive a tax exemption certificate via email within 7 days.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws may vary by location. BRAC is not responsible for errors, omissions, or consequences arising from its use. BRAC® is a registered trademark. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in