Collectorates across Andhra Pradesh reverberated with demands from Dalits, who are often perceived as soft-spoken, seeking solutions to long-pending issues concerning land, house sites, employment, education, healthcare and basic amenities. Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch (DSMM) national leader V Srinivasa Rao announced that a ‘Chalo Amaravati’ protest would be organised in December if the government failed to resolve the issues within three months.

In response to a joint call given by the Kula Vivaksha Vyatireka Porata Sangham (KVPS), the Andhra Pradesh unit of the Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch (DSMM), and the AP Vyavasaya Karmika Sangham, the AP unit of the All India Agricultural Workers Union (AIAWU), massive protests and ‘Shankharavam’ rallies were held at Collectorates across the State on Monday, August 24.

The protests highlighted the lack of basic amenities, land, house sites, employment, educational facilities and healthcare in Dalit habitations. The intensity of the demonstrations compelled officials in several districts to come out and meet the protesters and assure them that their grievances would be addressed.

Speaking at the protest in Ongole, DSMM national leader V. Srinivasa Rao urged Dalits to fight for basic amenities such as drinking water, roads, housing, education and healthcare in their localities. He criticised the continued practice of discrimination, including during the performance of last rites at cremation grounds.

He also highlighted the plight of Dalit entrepreneurs who, due to the non-release of sanctioned subsidies and funds, had been forced to take to the streets along with their families. He said the government had failed to fulfil its promise of providing three cents of house-site land to eligible families in villages and two cents in towns.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao demanded full compensation and rehabilitation for people displaced by the Veligonda project, alleging that the affected families were being left in dire circumstances. He warned that if the problems in Dalit habitations were not resolved within three months, the organisations would lay siege to the Assembly in Amaravati. He announced that a ‘Chalo Amaravati’ agitation would be organised and held the government responsible for the consequences.

A memorandum was submitted to the District Revenue Officer, who visited the protest site and interacted with the demonstrators.

AP Agricultural Workers’ Union State President D. Ramadevi demanded that two acres of land be allocated for a burial ground for every Dalit community. The Collector personally visited the protest site, received a representation and discussed the issues with the leaders.

In Puttaparthi, the headquarters of Sri Sathya Sai district, protesters laid siege to the Collectorate and staged a three-hour sit-in despite heavy rain. They attempted to push past the gates, following which the Collector came out and held discussions with the leaders.

In Anantapur, a procession featuring traditional dappu drumming was taken out from Sangamesh Centre to the Collectorate. As the gates were locked, protesters attempted to enter the premises. Officials eventually came out, met the protesters and received their representation. Similar protests were held in all districts.

Speaking at the dharna in Nandyal, KVPS State leader Surya Rao demanded protection of encroached graveyards and provision of basic facilities in Dalitwadas. Agricultural Workers’ Union State Secretary Venkateshwarlu participated in the protest at the Machilipatnam Collectorate. Y. Venkateswara Rao, a State-level leader of the Town Citizens’ Welfare Association, also participated.

A large rally was held in Nellore district from the BR Sports Ground to the Collector’s office. In Srikakulam, a rally and massive demonstration were organised from the R&B Guest House to the Collectorate. State-level leaders of the farmers’ association participated in the protests. CITU State Vice-President Kandarapu Murali took part in the protest in Kadapa, while GMPS State leader Venkatrao participated in the agitation in Annamayya district.

Speaking at the protest in Vizianagaram, State CITU President CH Narasimha Rao alleged that the BJP government at the Centre was implementing the principles of ‘Manu Dharma’ and encouraging caste discrimination. AP Adivasi Tribal Association leader Ashok participated in the dharna at Parvathipuram and led a rally to the Collectorate. CITU State General Secretary AV Nageswara Rao participated in the dharna at Kakinada.

Thousands of Dalits participated in the statewide protests organised under the aegis of KVPS, DSMM and the Agricultural Workers’ Union.

The statewide agitation was the culmination of a month-long campaign against caste discrimination and in support of demands for protection of reservations, proper infrastructure in Dalit habitations, house sites, house titles, drinking water and other basic amenities. As part of the campaign, month-long surveys and study tours were conducted across Andhra Pradesh.

The study tours examined the problems faced by Dalit communities in 26 districts, 380 mandals, 1,243 villages, 63 towns and 236 wards. The study identified 660 problems relating to cemeteries, 405 house-site issues and 302 land-related problems. The organisations expressed deep concern that serious issues concerning cemeteries, land, housing, basic infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and social discrimination continued to persist across the State.

The dharnas demanded that the government take immediate and effective measures to ensure that the constitutional guarantees of equality, social justice, dignity and protection from discrimination were meaningfully realised for every Dalit family.

MAJOR DEMANDS

Every Dalit village should have a designated cemetery with basic facilities, including approach roads, fencing, drinking water, electricity and bathrooms. Encroached cemetery lands should be identified and recovered immediately. Cemeteries should be established in every Dalit village in accordance with G.O. 1235.

Eligible cultivators should be issued pattas for the lands they have been cultivating. Encroachments on assigned lands, Dalit agricultural lands and house sites should be removed and the lands restored to the beneficiaries. Unregistered lands should be brought into the online registration system, and a special comprehensive survey of Dalit lands should be undertaken.

In accordance with the recommendations of the Koneru Ranga Rao Commission, surplus and other available lands should be identified and distributed to landless Dalit families.

Every eligible Dalit family should be provided with a house site and secure title. Permanent pattas should be issued to eligible long-standing beneficiaries, including old BIFAR beneficiaries. The organisations also demanded financial assistance of ₹5 lakh per family for house construction.

Problems relating to drinking water, drainage, CC roads, street lighting, electricity, sanitation and other essential services should be resolved on an urgent basis. SC Sub-Plan funds should be properly utilised and pending works completed within clearly defined deadlines.

Effective legal action should be taken against those practising discrimination or untouchability in temples, barber shops, tea shops, hotels, community spaces, social functions and meals. Victims should be provided protection and appropriate support.

Implementation of the Justice Punnaiah Commission recommendations: The recommendations of the Justice Punnaiah Commission should be implemented effectively within a time-bound framework.

Dalits should be provided equal opportunities to serve in positions such as Executive Officer and Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Steps should also be taken to facilitate the appointment of qualified Dalit priests in temples across the State.

All vacant SC and ST backlog posts in government departments should be identified and filled immediately through a special recruitment drive.

Government schools that have been closed should be reopened wherever necessary. Anganwadi centres should be established in Dalit villages and habitations where required.

Dilapidated hostel buildings should be repaired immediately and new buildings constructed wherever necessary. Mess charges should be increased appropriately, and all vacant hostel staff posts should be filled.

Government health clinics should be established in Dalit colonies or nearby areas wherever necessary, ensuring basic and accessible medical services.

Special measures should be taken to improve employment, skill development, vocational training, entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities for educated Dalit youth. (END)