As temperatures soar, water woes for tribals rise
Anakapalli: Astemperatures soar, tribals of a few villages near Devatamma area and neighbouring hamlets at Ravikamatham mandal have to think twice before using water for their daily needs as taps installed four years back turned into mere showpieces. For the tribals residing at Ravikamatham mandal of Anakapalli district, in Kothakota panchayat centre water woes continue to trouble them. Over 200 Dalit families living across Devata Amma area and neighbouring tribal villages are facing severe hardship due to inaccessibility to safe drinking water. What makes the situation more alarming is that the issue is not new but reflects years of neglect, broken promises and apathy of the officials concerned. Even as public water taps were installed in the area four years ago, followed by household pipeline connections three years ago, respite to residents did not last for long. Under the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission, the Central government sanctioned funds amounting to Rs 6 crore to ensure a reliable water supply system for every household. Initially, water was supplied for 15 days on a trial basis, raising hopes among residents but the supply abruptly stopped, leaving families disappointed. Today, tribals in the area are forced to ration water to an extent that bathing is possible only once every two days. Many are compelled to travel to distant areas in search of water, carrying it back home in containers and pots, an exhausting routine that has become their daily norm now. Pointing out that despite multiple protests and appeals over the years, tribals express anguish that no permanent solution has been provided to fix their water woes. The infrastructure now stands as a stark reminder of administrative failure, with water pipelines lying unused. Officials had recently performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new water tank, assuring residents that water supply would resume soon. However, those promises remain unmet. Unable to bear the apathy, Dalit women took to streets carrying empty pots in a display protest, symbolising both their daily struggle and demand for immediate action. Demanding justice and immediate intervention, the protest saw participation from local Dalits, including CPM district executive member K Govinda Rao, along with Dalit women leaders Eshwaramma, K Lavatalli, G Kalyani and Peddamma. The unfolding crisis in Kothakota indicates how access to safe drinking water for the villagers remains elusive. By Vasu Potnuru Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Babu Jagjivan Ram’s life is an inspiration to all: Bharath
Kurnool: Paying rich tributes on the birth anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, State Minister for Industries, Commerce and Food Processing TG Bharath Gupta described the veteran leader as a towering personality who dedicated his life to the upliftment of marginalized communities. The minister garlanded the statue of Jagjivan Ram at RS Road in Kurnool city on Sunday and participated in the commemorative events organized to mark the occasion, drawing the presence of local leaders and supporters. Speaking at the event, the minister highlighted that Babu Jagjivan Ram played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s political landscape and stood firmly for the rights of the underprivileged. He said Jagjivan Ram’s lifelong struggle for social justice and equality significantly contributed to empowering Dalits and other weaker sections, ensuring their rightful place in society. His leadership and vision, the minister added, continue to serve as a guiding force in India’s democratic journey. The minister further noted that Jagjivan Ram’s dedication to public service, administrative excellence, and commitment to inclusive growth made him one of the most respected leaders in Indian history. He emphasized that the values upheld by such great personalities remain relevant even today, especially at a time when society continues to strive for equality and justice across all sections. Urging the younger generation to take inspiration from such stalwarts, Bharath called upon youth to study the lives and contributions of eminent leaders like Babu Jagjivan Ram. He stated that understanding their struggles and ideals would not only instill a sense of responsibility but also help in building a more equitable, progressive, and united society. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Hate-spreading CM’: Rahul Gandhi slams Himanta Biswa at Assam poll rally
NEW DELHI: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him the ‘most corrupt and hate-spreading CM’. He alleged that his party’s ‘Babbar Shers’ would put him in jail. Addressing a poll rally in Assam’s Biswanath, Rahul Gandhi said: “Assam has the most corrupt, hate-spreading chief minister of India. He knows the ‘Babbar Shers’ of the Congress party are going to put him in jail.” He also outlined key promises made by Congress for the state, focusing on welfare measures and community recognition. Rahul Gandhi said that the party would grant Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam and improve wages for tea workers. “We are clearly saying that we will give SC/ST status to Assam’s 6 communities. We have also clearly mentioned in the manifesto that we will give Rs 450 per day to the tea workers,” he said. Highlighting economic and social support initiatives, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress government would roll out multiple schemes within a short time frame if voted to power. “As soon as we form the government in Assam, we will implement the six decisions taken for Assam. Every woman will receive a monthly cash transfer into her bank account without any conditions, and those who want to start a business will be given Rs 50,000. We guarantee that within 100 days, we will punish the accused in the Zubeen Garg case and action will be taken.” Targeting the central leadership, Rahul Gandhi also alleged that Assam’s governance is being controlled from New Delhi. “Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, and Narendra Modi and Amit Shah control your CM. Assam is run from Delhi.” He further intensified his attack on Sarma, alleging corruption involving his family and warning of strict action. “He (CM Himanta Biswa Sarma) also made a blunder by including his family in the corruption, now even his family will get accused.” The Congress leader also invoked noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, drawing a contrast between the party’s ideology and what he described as the BJP’s divisive politics. He said the party stands for unity and harmony. “Zubeen Garg worked his entire life to unite people of Assam, he never misbehaved with anyone. The Congress philosophy is also like that, to spread love against hatred,” he said. He added that legal action against the chief minister would proceed even if an apology is offered. “Let him speak for some more days. After that, the Congress will form government in Assam and legal action will follow even if he asks for forgiveness,” the Congress leader said. The Assam state assembly elections are scheduled for 9 April, with results to be declared on 4 May. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Father and Son Beaten in Mainpuri; Thugs Unleash Violence Over Ribbon-Cutting at Fair
It is alleged that the *Pradhan* (village head) and his supporters were armed with illegal weapons; following the assault, they fled the scene after openly issuing death threats. Both the father and son sustained serious injuries in the incident. In Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit father and son were beaten by a group of thugs over a dispute regarding the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Radha-Krishna Fair. The incident took place in Lakhanmau village, under the jurisdiction of the Barnahal police station, where the *Pradhan* and his supporters assaulted the Dalit father and son. Despite the presence of the police, the thugs brutally beat and intimidated the victims without any hindrance. In Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit father and son were brutally beaten by a group of thugs over a dispute concerning the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Radha-Krishna Fair. A video of this entire incident is rapidly going viral on social media. It is reported that the *Pradhan* and his supporters took strong offense to a member of the Dalit community performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Radha-Krishna Fair, which was organized in Lakhanmau village under the Barnahal police station area. Enraged by this, the thugs launched a violent assault on the Dalit youth and his father. Shockingly, the entire incident unfolded in the presence of the police; however, the thugs were so emboldened that they showed no regard for anyone. Throughout the assault, the young victim kept pleading for mercy, but the accused remained unmoved. **Injured Father and Son Referred to Saifai** It is alleged that the *Pradhan* and his supporters were armed with illegal weapons; following the assault, they fled the scene after openly issuing death threats. Both the father and son sustained serious injuries in the incident; they were initially admitted to a local hospital but were subsequently referred to Saifai after their condition deteriorated. **Case Registered Against 5 Named Individuals and Others** The victims have filed a formal complaint at the police station against five named individuals and several unidentified persons. Currently, the police are engaged in investigating the entire matter. Reported by: Pramod Kumar, Edited by: Abhishek Pareek Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress Targets Rajasthan Govt Over Ajmer Dalit Rape Case
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Rajasthan government, alleging that those accused in the gang rape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl in Ajmer are being shielded and that the victim’s family has been left without adequate protection. The party also flagged what it described as a broader rise in atrocities against Dalits in BJP-ruled states. Speaking at a press conference, Rajendra Pal Gautam said the handling of the case reflects serious lapses by the police. He stated that the incident occurred in July 2024 but came to light only after the minor became pregnant. A Zero FIR was initially registered in New Delhi and later transferred to Ajmer. Despite the victim recording her statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC, Gautam alleged that no arrests were made for nearly eight months. He said that out of the three accused, only one has been arrested so far, while the other two were briefly detained under preventive provisions and subsequently released. Gautam further alleged that on March 16, just ahead of a scheduled court hearing, the victim’s family was attacked with axes after they refused to agree to a compromise. He added that a counter-FIR was filed against the family, though it was later closed. Raising legal concerns, Gautam pointed to alleged violations of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He said the authorities failed to provide protection to the victim as mandated under Section 15(A) and did not take action against officials responsible for negligence under Section 4. He demanded immediate security for the victim and her family, adequate compensation, and strict legal action, including the arrest of police officials found to have violated the law. Highlighting a wider trend, Gautam cited data claiming that 76 percent of reported atrocities against Dalits are concentrated in five BJP-ruled states. He said Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan account for the highest number of such cases, followed by Bihar and Maharashtra, and argued that the figures point to a systemic issue requiring urgent attention. The Congress also referred to related political developments, noting that Rahul Gandhi has written to the Prime Minister seeking withdrawal of cases linked to the 2018 protests held to protect the SC/ST Act. Gautam said this reflects the party’s continued focus on safeguarding the rights of marginalised communities. He also announced that Rahul Gandhi will flag off a “Run for Ambedkar, Run for Constitution” marathon in Delhi on April 12 to mark the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar, calling on people to participate in large numbers. The Congress maintained that the Ajmer case underscores the need for accountability, stronger enforcement of laws, and timely justice for victims, warning that failure to act decisively would further erode public trust in the system. By Purna Singh Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Vengaivayal: Non-dalits announce poll boycott
Pudukottai: Tensions surrounding the 2022 Vengaivayal water contamination case have resurfaced, with residents of Erayur village in Muttukadu panchayat announcing they will boycott the upcoming election. Non-dalit Hindus of the village erected flex banners in this regard on Friday night. It may be recalled that human waste was found mixed in an overhead water tank supplying water to the dalit village, triggering outrage across the state. Subsequently, CB-CID registered a case alleging involvement of three Vengaivayal residents, ruling out a caste motive. They said it was done due to personal enmity. However, villagers have strongly opposed the charges, claiming innocence and alleging that people from neighbouring Erayur and Muttukadu areas could be responsible. The differing claims have since led to repeated friction between residents of the two villages. In their banners erected on Friday night, Erayur villagers listed several demands, including arrest of the actual culprits in the case, withdrawal of cases filed against them under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and other civic issues. Revenue and police officials have begun inquiries into the banner protest. Sources said residents of Vengaivayal have also indicated they may boycott the upcoming polls. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Identity vs dignity: Virudhunagar Dalits to boycott TN polls over caste-based village name
Because of the village name – “Paraicheri” – residents say they are forced into a position of humiliation even at workplaces. Synopsis: Over 60 Dalit families in North Achamthavilthan, Virudhunagar, face daily humiliation as their locality is officially recorded as “Paraiyar Cheri.” Despite petitions for 15 years, the caste-marked name persists in voter lists, Aadhaar, and bank records. Frustrated by inaction, residents have resolved to boycott the 2026 Assembly elections, demanding dignity through a permanent name change. “Hey Suryakala, come here” — this is how Kannan (name changed), a 30-year-old man, calls out to Suryakala, who is over 60 years old, without even a trace of respect. Ironically, Kannan studied in school with Suryakala’s daughter. Not just Suryakala — over 60 families from North Achamthavilthan village in Srivilliputhur taluk of Virudhunagar district have been facing such disrespect and humiliation for years, solely because they belong to the Dalit community. What is more troubling is that not only the general public, but even government records refer to their locality as “Paraicheri,” explicitly marking their caste identity. The residents say that wherever they go, this name subjects them to humiliation and caste-based discrimination. For over 15 years, they have submitted petitions—from local Tahsildar to the Chief Minister—requesting a change in the village name. But as no action has been taken so far and the indignity continues, the residents of North Achamthavilthanhave now announced that they will boycott the 2026 Assembly elections. Village carrying burden of caste humiliation North Achamthavilthan is located in Achamthavilthan revenue village under Achamthavilthan panchayat in Srivilliputhur taluk of Virudhunagar district. While multiple intermediate communities live across the broader village, over 60 families belonging to the Dalit Paraiyar community reside in the northern part. Because of this, the area has come to be referred to as “Paraicheri” — not just by neighboring villagers but also in official records. This name appears in documents such as voter lists, bank records, Aadhaar, and PAN cards. However, in land patta records, the village is still officially recorded as Achamthavilthan. Thus, while some government documents mention Achamthavilthan, others continue to use “Paraicheri.” A Abi, a native of this village who is currently pursuing a PhD in Chennai, shared how this caste-based naming has affected her since childhood. “I did all my schooling in and around my village. We had to go to a neighboring village for school, where students from other communities also studied. They would mock us by calling out our village name, and even write it on classroom desks to ridicule us,” she said. She added that upon hearing the name of their village, some students from certain intermediate castes would even avoid speaking to them. “Not just students, even today, elders from those communities expect us to address even their children with respect, using ‘vaanga, poonga.’ But they, from children to adults, never extend the same respect to us,” she said. Even though Suryakala is over 60, she, and others from her community, are still addressed disrespectfully by people from intermediate castes in the same village, often being called by name without basic courtesy. Abi noted that while the intensity of such behaviour may have reduced over the past decade, it still continues. 15-year-long struggle Because of the village name, residents say they are forced into a position of humiliation even at workplaces. SV Kumar, a resident, has been leading the fight to change the name for over 15 years. “When children go to school, they hesitate to even say the name of our village. Even when we go to work, if someone asks where we are from, we say Achamthavilthan. But those who know will immediately correct it and say ‘No, they are from Paraicheri.’ At that moment, we feel deeply humiliated. We lose the sense of being free individuals and are pushed into a mindset of inferiority, as if we are slaves to others,” he said. Despite years of suffering, residents continue to fight for change. While in manual processes at local offices they manage to get the name recorded as North Achamthavilthan, digital government services like Aadhaar and tax records still reflect “Paraicheri.” “In some cases, during Aadhaar enrolment or updates, we insist and get the name corrected. But many people who cannot argue are left at the mercy of e-service operators, who continue to enter ‘Paraicheri,’” Kumar said. He added that even when opening bank accounts, despite submitting the name as North Achamthavilthan, officials, often local and from other communities, override it and record “Paraicheri.” Even the Election Commission’s voter list continues to carry the caste-based name. This is despite residents submitting forms with the correct name during the recent Special Intensive Revision. “We have submitted petitions to everyone, from the Tahsildar to the Chief Minister. There is no one we haven’t approached. Yet nothing has changed,” Kumar said. Over the past decade, resolutions demanding the name change have been repeatedly passed in the gram sabha. Petitions have been sent at every level. Seeking accountability, Kumar even filed RTI queries with the district collector’s office. According to the RTI response, in March 2023, the Srivilliputhur revenue divisional officer recommended changing the name from “Paraicheri” to North Achamthavilthan and forwarded it to the Virudhunagar district collector. In July 2025, the collector forwarded the recommendation to the Commissionerate of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management in Chennai. However, Kumar says the RTI reply revealed that the request is currently pending at that department. “Our village has central government employees, award-winning teachers, and highly educated graduates. Yet, wherever we go, we are humiliated because of our village name,” said Abi. “No matter how far we progress, the moment we say our village name, people’s perception of us changes. We feel like we are not free individuals. Changing the name will give us the dignity of being equal citizens of this country. It will free the next generation from the humiliation we have endured for years,” Kumar said. “When people hear our village name, some look at us with ridicule,
T launches skill prog for transgender persons
Hyderabad: In a push for social and economic inclusion, the Telangana govt on Saturday launched a dedicated skill development programme for transgender persons, aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance. Inaugurating the initiative at the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) in Gachibowli, welfare minister Adluri Laxman Kumar said the programme reflects the govt’s commitment to ensuring dignity and equal opportunities for the transgender community. He said the initiative builds on earlier steps towards inclusion, including engaging transgender persons in traffic management and as security personnel in the Metro. The new programme will focus on three sectors—car driving, hotel management and drone piloting—offering viable avenues for employment and entrepreneurship. Highlighting the growing scope of drone technology, the minister noted its applications in areas such as photography, agriculture and event management, creating new livelihood opportunities. He expressed confidence that trainees would be able to leverage these skills to build careers in emerging sectors. A total of 91 transgender persons will benefit from the programme, with the govt allocating ₹17.72 lakh for training and related support. He said the focus would not only be on skill development but also on facilitating employment opportunities. Reiterating the govt’s inclusive approach, he said transgender persons are being recognised as equal stakeholders in society. “True development is possible only through social justice and economic empowerment,” he added. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kerala govt led by an invisible force, its policies not Leftist: Rahul
Alappuzha/Idukki: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday sharply hit out at LDF stating that Left didn’t remain in the front’s name and nothing would remain after the elections. In his speech in Alappuzha, the opposition leader in Lok Sabha criticised chief minister for describing the brutal assault on Alappuzha candidate A D Thomas by his security personnel, as a ‘rescue operation’. Thomas had earlier shown a black flag at CM. With G Sudhakaran, an independent supported by UDF in Ambalappuzha, being present on stage, Gandhi said, “A senior leader, who was part of LDF is sitting with us today. His change of mind was not sudden; it was due to fundamental changes in LDF. It is not opportunism. When one travels with a party for a long time, one absorbs many things from it. He quit because he saw things happening contrary to its principles.” “We have been fighting LDF for years. Earlier, they had some ideologies, which is why they were called Left. The current govt’s policies are not leftist and it is led by an invisible force. It is communal and doesn’t accept the Constitution. It spreads hatred among people,” Gandhi alleged. “The connection between CPM and RSS-BJP is now visible to people. Most Left leaders are aware of it. There are two types of Left leaders: the opportunistic and power-hungry and they aren’t troubled by RSS-BJP connection. The second group consists of those who believed in and worked for Left ideologies for years. They feel betrayed and are uneasy,” he said. “When someone is in power for a long time, there is deep confusion. It happens to small leaders too. In a democracy, people provide leaders the opportunity to use power. However, at some point, some leaders feel that all power belongs to them. Those who recognise that power belongs to people will respect and acknowledge them. Such leaders will see all sections of people as their partners and speak to them,” said Gandhi. “Those who believe power comes from themselves will become intolerant and disconnected from people. This has happened to both Prime Minister and Chief minister here. People will recognise all these. Elections are just a formality for that,” he added. “When five or six women MPs stood up in Parliament, Prime Minister thought it was an attack on him. The brutal assault on those who showed a black flag to CM was due to the same mindset. CM didn’t think it was just their dissent. These incidents reveal two people intoxicated by power,” he said. “Why do those in power become disconnected from people? Kerala ranks first in drug issues. Farmers are in debt. In the coir sector, 1.3 lakh people are unemployed. Minorities are being attacked. Two nuns were attacked in Chhattisgarh. Churches were attacked in Manipur. The CM here stands with the attackers,” said Gandhi. He said UDF govt would implement the seawall promise unfulfilled by LDF govt, provide a support price of Rs 35 for rice and implement special projects in the coir and cashew sectors. Gandhi introduced UDF-supported candidates in Alappuzha district: Sudhakaran, M Liju, Thomas, Reji Cherian and K R Rajendraprasad to the audience. DCC president B Babu Prasad presided over the meeting. KPCC vice-president A A Shukoor, Muslim League district president A M Naseer and UDF Alappuzha assembly constituency committee chairman R Unnikrishnan also spoke. Gandhi and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal greeted the crowd. Before leaving the stage, Neerkunnam-native Amanil Kumar presented Gandhi a Neymeen (fish). As he was leaving, the crowd surrounded Gandhi, eager to shake hands and present him kanikonna flowers. Slams Modi for calling Trump ‘sir’ Speaking at an election campaign meeting in Kattappana, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing US President Donald Trump as ‘sir’. He alleged that the PM was under Trump’s control. “If Trump asks Modi to jump, he would jump and if asked to lie down, he would comply,” said Gandhi. Even if instructed to act in Israel’s favour, Modi would follow it without question, he said. He said addressing Trump as ‘sir’ was highly inappropriate and reflected a colonial mindset, as if India was still under British rule. “India is an independent nation and a Prime Minister should never address anyone as ‘sir’, nor act on instructions from a foreign leader,” he said. Gandhi alleged that whenever Trump called, Modi responded what he should do. “When Modi calls, Kerala CM responds in a similar manner,” he said. He accused PM of weakening India’s energy security and harming small businesses and the agricultural sector through trade agreements with the US. He also made corruption allegations against Kerala CM and his family. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘No one is going to fall for their rhetoric…’ Rajbhar hits back at Akhilesh’s statement
Om Prakash Rajbhar, hitting back at Akhilesh Yadav’s statement, has asserted that the Dalit and Backward Classes will no longer be swayed by the Samajwadi Party (SP). Rajbhar hits back at Akhilesh Yadav’s statement. Dalits and Backward Classes will not fall for the SP’s rhetoric. SP accused of abolishing Dalit reservation and instigating riots. State Bureau, Lucknow. Om Prakash Rajbhar—President of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) and a cabinet minister—has hit back at the statement made by SP President Akhilesh Yadav on Friday, declaring that the Dalit and Backward Classes have now seen through his strategy of misleading the public. “No one is going to fall for their rhetoric,” he asserted. Rajbhar stated that this is the very same SP that worked to abolish reservation for Dalits in promotions. He noted that while BSP Chief Mayawati had established districts and universities named after prominent Dalit icons, it was the SP that subsequently worked to change those names. During the SP’s rule, riots were a frequent occurrence, and Dalits often lost their lives in the ensuing violence. SP goons, he alleged, used to encroach upon and seize land belonging to Dalits. He further remarked that whenever the SP forms a government, a single specific caste comes to dominate the administration; even the Muslims—who play a pivotal role in bringing the party to power—are subsequently sidelined. Rajbhar acknowledged that the SP had benefited in the recent Lok Sabha elections from false propaganda claiming that the Constitution was under threat of being abolished; however, he asserted that Dalits and Backward Classes will no longer fall for their deceptive ploys. BY HEMANT KUMAR SRIVASTAVA | EDITED BY: AYSHA SHEIKH Courtesy: Hindi News