Kudligi: In a notable step towards dismantling entrenched caste discrimination, a Dalit was granted entry into Kallahalli Gullarahatti hamlet in Karnataka’s Kudligi taluk for the first time since Independence, The New Indian Express reported on Tuesday.
The breakthrough came after Kudligi MLA N.T. Srinivas and the taluk administration intervened when villagers recently barred a Dalit official from entering the settlement to conduct a survey. Believing that the presence of Dalits would bring misfortune, villagers had historically denied them access.
Tahasildar V.K. Netravati, informed of the incident, visited the hamlet along with officials and admonished villagers for adhering to superstitious and unconstitutional practices. The settlement, located on the border and predominantly inhabited by around 130 Yadav households, eventually agreed to allow the Dalit officer entry, marking a break from decades-old exclusionary customs.
Srinivas said that following such discriminatory practices, whether knowingly or otherwise, violated constitutional values. “The villagers’ decision to welcome Dalits is a progressive step in terms of development and social justice, as such discriminatory practices are detrimental to society,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Tahasildar Netravati mentioned that officials held a meeting with residents to explain constitutional provisions and the consequences of persisting with caste-based restrictions. “The villagers agreed to respect and welcome Dalit youths and groups into their community,” Tahasildar said.
Apart from the ban on Dalits, the villagers reportedly force menstruating women to stay in separate hu
Courtesy : Vartha Bharati
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