SC/ST employees on strike at AIIMS Rishikesh: Bhim Army chief makes this demand regarding disregard of reservation rules in promotions
Chandrashekhar Azad writes letter to JP Nadda New Delhi – Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad has written to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, alleging serious disregard of reservation rules in the promotion of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh. In the letter, he has demanded a review of the flawed DPC order issued on October 10, the holding of a review DPC, and accountability of the concerned officials. According to the letter, SC/ST employees working at AIIMS Rishikesh have complained about the blatant disregard of reservation rules, previous instructions of the Ministry, the ‘Own Merit’ principle, and the reservation roster in the promotion process. The employees have objected to the DPC order of October 10. On October 11th, they submitted a letter of dissent, but since the administration has not taken any positive action, the employees have been on a peaceful strike under the banner of the All SC/ST Employees Welfare Association since October 12th. Azad stated that on October 13th, he spoke to the employees via video conferencing and assured them of the protection of their constitutional rights. He stated that this type of strike by employees at a medical institution of national importance is an administrative failure and is impacting health services. Azad had previously intervened in the matter. On December 16th, 2025, he submitted a representation to the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Following this, the Lok Sabha Secretariat, through Office Memorandum No. 8 (2)/SCTC/2026 (dated January 22nd), directed the Ministry of Health and AIIMS Rishikesh to investigate the complaints and submit a report by January 30th, 2026. According to the employees, the Ministry also issued directives in this regard on March 10, but it is unclear what action the AIIMS administration has taken on them. The employees have also raised this issue with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). Azad requested the Minister to direct the concerned officials to ensure action on the following points: An impartial review of the October 10 DPC order should be conducted based on applicable rules and available records. The action taken by AIIMS Rishikesh and the status of compliance with the Ministry’s March 10 directives should be clarified and a compliance report should be sought. A review of the previous DPC and reservation roster should be conducted, as required, in accordance with DoPT guidelines. The correct application of the ‘Own Merit’ principle regarding reservation in promotions should be ensured, and its criteria and records should be examined. The complaints, responses, instructions, and compliance reports (ATRs) submitted before the Parliamentary Committee, NCSC, and NCST should be reviewed. The impact of relevant judicial orders and pending court cases should be examined before issuing the DPC order. The role of the current Director, Deputy Director, AO, and JAO in denying reservation in promotions despite clear instructions from the Ministry, alleged irregularities in the October 10 DPC, and secret joinings should be investigated. The role and responsibilities of the Liaison Officer in the reservation roster and DPC process should also be reviewed. The competent authority should provide a written, reasoned, and timely decision on the dissent representations submitted by employees on October 11. An immediate formal meeting should be held between the AIIMS administration and authorized representatives of the Association. A clear timeline should be set for resolving the matter, and the employees and the Association should be informed in writing of the action taken. Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad stated in the letter that, given the seriousness of this issue, necessary instructions should be issued to the concerned officials to ensure a fair and timely resolution of the current dispute, including the complaints raised earlier, and to ensure the protection of the constitutional and service rights of SC/ST employees. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
125 people have died in sewers and septic tanks so far in 2026, raising serious questions about the safety of Dalit and migrant workers.
At least 125 people have died in India so far in 2026 while performing hazardous cleaning and maintenance work in sewers, septic tanks, and other enclosed spaces. According to data released by the Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), these deaths were recorded in 20 states and union territories between January 1 and October 2, 2026. The organization describes these incidents as not merely accidents, but a serious crisis linked to caste discrimination, exploitation by contractors, lack of safety measures, and the failure of government systems. In a statement issued in New Delhi on October 5, DASAM said that workers are losing their lives while cleaning and maintaining sewers, septic tanks, manholes, drains, sewage treatment plants, underground water tanks, and other enclosed structures. The deaths include sanitation workers, contract laborers, construction workers, and migrant laborers. According to the organization, in several incidents, workers fainted or died from lack of oxygen due to toxic gases. In some cases, others who went inside to rescue a worker also died from exposure to the toxic gases. According to the organization’s data, July 2026 was the deadliest month, with 28 deaths recorded. March saw 25 deaths, June 20, May 19, February one, April 10, August 10, September nine, and October 2nd saw three deaths. State-wise figures show 14 deaths in Bihar, 12 in Tamil Nadu, 11 in Haryana, and 10 in Uttar Pradesh. Meghalaya and Odisha each reported nine deaths, Madhya Pradesh eight, Assam and Maharashtra seven each, and Chhattisgarh six. However, there are discrepancies in some figures in the organization’s document. The state-wise total is 126, while the total number of deaths is reported as 125. DASAM stated that caste-based labor systems and economic inequality play a significant role in these deaths. According to the organization, Dalit communities, particularly Valmiki and other marginalized castes, have historically been employed in the most dangerous and degrading jobs, such as sanitation. Meanwhile, migrant and economically disadvantaged workers employed through contractors are also forced to work in unsafe conditions. Many workers receive no written contracts, nor adequate training, safety equipment, insurance, or social security. The report cites several incidents in Mumbai, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and other states. In June, three workers died after inhaling toxic gas from a factory septic tank in Delhi’s Mundka industrial area. According to the organization, the workers’ families alleged that they were not provided with adequate safety equipment, gas testing, and rescue systems. Similarly, in March, four members of a family died in an incident related to cleaning a household septic tank in Vaishali district, Bihar. Such incidents demonstrate that the danger is not limited to municipal sewers, but also exists in private homes, hospitals, factories, and residential complexes. DASAM also questioned the poor implementation of laws prohibiting manual scavenging and providing for rehabilitation. The organization demanded an impartial and timely investigation into every death occurring while working in sewers and septic tanks, and that responsible contractors, employers, property owners, and relevant officials be held accountable. The organization demanded a compensation of at least ₹30 lakh to the families of each deceased, government employment for eligible dependents, and education, health, housing, and livelihood support for the families. The organization demanded the promotion of the use of machines for cleaning sewers and septic tanks, the prohibition of entry of workers into enclosed spaces without gas testing and adequate safety measures, and the mandatory provision of trained rescue teams. According to DASAM, the primary employer or government agencies cannot escape responsibility by outsourcing work to contractors. The organization has appealed to the central and state governments to maintain a transparent record of such deaths across the country and implement an effective national strategy to prevent hazardous cleaning operations. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘My Joy’ by Shreeja Rao celebrates Dalit identity, childhood and self-expression
A new title for young readers offers a refreshing take on growing up as a Dalit girl in modern India There are storybooks written for children that are inspired by India’s rivers, its mountains, and its flora and fauna. And there are few others that mount a reality check about today’s times, and the challenges that come with growing up in a society dictated by caste. Fresh off the press is My Joy (HarperCollins India) by Shreeja Rao, aided by Shrujana N Shridhar’s striking illustrations that lead us to a positive, heartwarming story. Rao was clear about telling this story as clearly and transparently as possible. “All literature, old or new, depicts Dalit communities in endless pain. While it is vital to show the consequences of inequality, I have yearned to read stories that celebrate the full humanity of Dalit people,” she admits, sharing that the germ of this book emerged from growing up around and among incredibly brave individuals from the community who defied the odds to build joyous lives. “My Joy is the first and only book about a Dalit child’s identity and assertion. This assertion, whether quiet or loud, is joyful,” she reminds us. Flipping through the pages reveals layers of incisive storytelling, and a bold colour palate that pierces right through the heart of the little protagonist’s life. Rao is quick to inform us about the narrative, “The scenes [from the book] are from my childhood and aspirations. However, the little girl in the book is not one child but many at once. She has many names. She is not special or rare; she takes the freedom to simply exist.” It’s not surprising that women play key factors throughout the insightful trajectory. “I have learnt strength and ambition from women and women’s stories. This book pays homage to the women who have touched me most. It also tries to introduce inspiring figures like Savitrimai [Savitribai Phule] and Mukta Salve to readers. An illustration in the book depicting Mukta Salve Shridhar’s art acts like a primer – evocative, empathetic and yet, brushed with a certain playfulness that we yearn for, often by habit, in books for young readers. What clicked, we asked Rao. “I started writing this book when I was 20, to refute the popular notion that Dalit people are mere vessels of suffering. There was no other artist more fitting to illustrate this idea than the talented and hardworking Shrujana N Shridhar. Our chemistry lies in being two passionate and individualistic women who also happen to be friends. Her illustrations give life to the soul of my writing, and My Joy is our shared becoming. Shridhar echoes the sentiment. “The colour palette and style for this book came from my childhood experiences and those of [Shreeja] Rao, the author. I wanted the book’s visual language to evoke not just joy, but also the universe, solitude, friendships, and aspirations that came with it.” Going by the storyline’s honest intent at its core, we sense that it is bound to help break barriers, and engage young people, one word at a time. Fiona Fernandez Courtesy : Mid-Day Note: This news is originally published on https:/mid-day.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Aadhaar authentication made mandatory for beneficiaries of central scheme for transgender persons
The notification, issued under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, lays down procedures for establishing the identity of applicants and verifying their eligibility for benefits The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has notified rules making Aadhaar authentication a requirement for beneficiaries of a centrally sponsored scheme for transgender persons, while providing alternative identity documents for those who do not have an Aadhaar number. According to a notification, the requirement applies to individuals seeking benefits under the scheme administered by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. The notification, issued under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, lays down procedures for establishing the identity of applicants and verifying their eligibility for benefits. Under the rules, individuals who have been assigned an Aadhaar number must provide proof of Aadhaar authentication or possession of the number to receive benefits under the scheme. Those who have not yet been assigned an Aadhaar number will have to apply for enrolment and provide proof of enrolment, along with other prescribed documents, to establish their identity and eligibility. “For transgender beneficiaries aged 18 years and above who do not have an Aadhaar number, the notification provides for alternative documents, including a voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, a ration card, a caste certificate or an income certificate issued by a competent authority, a government-issued service identity card, a driving licence, a passport and educational certificates,” the notification said. Other documents specified in the notification include certificates issued by recognised institutions and authorities, as well as prescribed documents relating to foreign nationals, depending on their citizenship and immigration status. For beneficiaries below 18 years of age who have not been assigned Aadhaar numbers, the rules provide for alternative documents such as a birth certificate, a certificate issued by a recognised educational institution, a ration card and other prescribed identity documents. The notification also addresses cases in which transgender beneficiaries are unable to complete Aadhaar enrolment or authentication. The authorities implementing the scheme will be required to make arrangements to facilitate access to benefits in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The rules require the concerned authorities to publicise the Aadhaar-related requirements and ensure that eligible beneficiaries are informed about the documents they can submit. The notification is intended to establish a framework for identity verification and delivery of scheme benefits while providing for applicants who have not yet obtained Aadhaar. Article_Author Surya S Pillai Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Chandrashekhar Azad vs. Akash Anand in UP: Who will support Dalit voters? BSP to hold a flurry of rallies starting October 28th
Uttar Pradesh has approximately 22% Dalit voters. The battle for Dalit voters in the state has become Azad Samaj Party vs. BSP. Akash Anand will begin his election rallies from October 28th, and Chandrashekhar Azad will begin his election rallies from October 18th. In response to the Azad Samaj Party’s proposed rallies, the BSP has also released its schedule. The BSP has fielded Akash Anand against Chandrashekhar Azad. Chandrashekhar Azad presents himself as a prominent Dalit leader in UP. Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in UP, the battle for Dalit politics has now become Chandrashekhar Azad vs. Akash Anand. Dalit voters are at the center of the political battle between the Azad Samaj Party and the BSP. Both parties’ politics revolve around Dalits. Mayawati has fielded Akash Anand against Chandrashekhar. Akash Anand faces the challenge of regaining the BSP’s lost base, while Chandrashekhar faces the challenge of political expansion. The most important question now is who will Dalit voters support in the upcoming state assembly elections. Akash Anand to Hold a Series of Rallies Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has made full preparations to field her nephew and party’s national convener, Akash Anand, in the electoral fray. A rally for Akash is scheduled for October 28th in Anupshahr, Bulandshahr. Following this, meetings are also scheduled in Saharanpur, Ayodhya, Agra, and Kanpur divisions. Through these rallies, the party will announce potential candidates and attempt to recapture its lost support base. Major Challenges Facing Akash Political analyst Vinod Shukla explains that Akash Anand faces more than just the challenge of holding election rallies. He must also demonstrate how active the BSP organization is at the booth level, how connected old workers are, and what the party is doing to bring its traditional supporters back to the polling booths. The campaign, which begins on October 28th, is crucial in this regard. After Anupshahr, meetings are scheduled in Nakur, Saharanpur, on November 2nd, Bikapur, Ayodhya, on November 20th, Agra, on November 22nd, and Bilhaur, Kanpur, on November 29th. Akash Anand’s programs have also been scheduled in Punjab and Uttarakhand. Assembly elections are due in these two states, along with Uttar Pradesh. Chandrashekhar’s path is not easy. Chandrashekhar Azad’s political career is rooted in Dalit rights, the Constitution, voices against social discrimination, and grassroots movements. After establishing his identity through the Bhim Army, he formed the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) and won the Nagina seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His victory demonstrated that there are political parties for Dalits in Uttar Pradesh beyond the BSP. According to political analysts, winning one Lok Sabha seat does not necessarily sway Dalit voters across the state. Chandrashekhar’s programs are scheduled for Amroha on October 18, Aligarh on October 19, and Muzaffarnagar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ghazipur from October 24 to 28. Chandrashekhar did not win due to the Dalit equation. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chandrashekhar Azad won the Nagina seat. Chandrashekhar received 512,552 votes, defeating BJP’s Om Kumar by 151,473 votes. BSP candidate Surendra Pal Singh received 13,272 votes. Political analysts say that Muslim voters voted for Chandrashekhar to defeat the BJP, which is why he won. The Dalit equation played no role in his victory. Will the Dalit vote be divided? Vinod Shukla says that Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh have long been the BSP’s core support base and traditional vote bank. Azad’s victory in Nagina certainly saw a decline in the BSP’s old electoral base, but this result is specific to a specific Lok Sabha constituency. Therefore, this cannot be seen as a permanent shift in Dalit votes across Uttar Pradesh. He stated that Dalit voters will remain with the BSP. The likelihood of them switching to Azad is very low. There are approximately 22 percent Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh, which is the BSP’s traditional vote bank. The role of Akash Anand and Chandrashekhar Azad will be in the spotlight for the 2027 UP Assembly elections regarding the support of Dalit voters. The BSP faces the challenge of re-establishing its old political base and organization. Chandrashekhar Azad faces the challenge of converting his victory in Nagina into a widespread electoral presence. Manoj Mishra Courtesy: Hindi News
Protest in Mandya over Kumaraswamy’s ‘anti-Dalit’ remark on Kharge
Congress workers and Dalit groups staged a protest in Mandya against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s remarks targeting Home Minister Priyank Kharge. They blocked a highway, calling Kumaraswamy ‘anti-Dalit’ and threatening a statewide agitation. Congress, Dalit groups protest in Mandya Congress workers, along with Dalit and progressive organisations, staged a protest in Mandya condemning Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for remarks against Home Minister Priyank Kharge. The protest was held at Sanjaya Circle in Mandya. Protesters blocked the old Bengaluru-Mysuru highway and formed a human chain to express their outrage. They raised slogans holding posters of Kumaraswamy. “It is not right for a responsible Union Minister to speak like this. Learn how leaders from a big family should maintain dignity. You are anti-Dalit; it is not right to personally abuse a Dalit Home Minister,” protesters said. Kumaraswamy’s sharp attack on Priyank Kharge Earlier, Kumaraswamy launched a sharp attack on Priyank Kharge over the alleged defamatory sting operation linked to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, challenging the state government to summon and interrogate him directly instead of detaining Janata Dal (Secular) workers. “Does the Home Ministry belong to your father? Your father has not given you this department. It is not your father’s. If you are a Home Minister, work like one. Issue me a notice if you want, if you have guts,” Kumaraswamy said, taking a direct swipe at Kharge. The Union Minister also criticised Kharge’s conduct since taking charge as Home Minister and urged him to exercise restraint in his public statements. “Priyank Kharge should control his tongue. He should mind his words. It is not necessary to advise me how to behave in public. For the last three to four months, I am watching how he is behaving after becoming Home Minister. Continuously, he is attacking. First he should control his tongue and his attitude; then he can advise anybody,” he said. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Courtesy : Asia Net News Note: This news is originally published on https:/asianetnews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Man Beaten to Death In Sitapur, Family Alleges Caste Abuse
Dalit man Manoj Gautam was beaten to death in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, in front of his 10-year-old daughter. A Dalit man, Manoj Gautam, was beaten to death in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly amid casteist slurs and long-standing family rivalry. Four of the six accused have been arrested. The Bhim Army–Azad Samaj Party is supporting the victim’s family and demanding a fair, transparent probe. Will justice be ensured for the family? A 35-year-old Dalit man named Manoj Gautam was beaten to death in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, on the evening of 17 October 2026. The incident occurred near Ludhaura village under the jurisdiction of Kamlapur police station while Gautam was returning home from a local market with his 10-year-old daughter. He was intercepted and assaulted by a group of men. Gautam was taken to a community health centre in Kasmanda, where he was declared dead on arrival. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. According to Maktoob Media, Gautam’s family alleged that casteist slurs were used during the attack. Police cited a long-standing family rivalry as the suspected motive. Four of the six accused have been arrested, including Shubham Singh, Dhirendra Singh, and Narendra Singh. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. As reported by undefined, preliminary investigations suggest the murder was linked to a long-standing dispute between two families. Police confirmed that Gautam had previously filed a case against the accused under the SC/ST Act. The two sides were reportedly involved in a verbal altercation a day before the incident. Four police teams have been formed to apprehend the remaining accused, and the investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing. Coverage revealed that a video showing Gautam’s grieving wife and children beside his body circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to the case. Superintendent of Police Ankur Agarwal stated that the investigation is being conducted under the relevant legal provisions, and efforts are underway to ensure all accused are brought to justice. Police sources indicated during the investigation that Gautam’s prior complaint under the SC/ST Act is being examined as part of the motive. The authorities are also reviewing the events leading up to the assault, including the reported altercation on the previous day. The police have not released further details about the ongoing investigation or the status of the remaining suspects. “Our demand is that all the accused be arrested immediately, a fair investigation be conducted in the case, and strict legal action be ensured against the guilty,” said Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad, as quoted in the coverage. Further details highlighted that the Bhim Army–Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) has been supporting the victim’s family since the incident. The organisation reiterated its commitment to securing justice for the family and called for a fair and transparent investigation. Community members and activists have condemned the killing as the case drew attention to issues of caste-based violence and the need for effective legal action. The police have assured that all aspects, including the allegations of casteist abuse and the history of rivalry, are being thoroughly investigated. “The local team of the Bhim Army–Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) had been standing with the victim’s family since the incident, and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to securing justice for them,” the coverage stated. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and authorities have stated that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses as new information emerges. The case remains under close scrutiny from both law enforcement and civil society groups. Courtesy : The Quint Note: This news is originally published on https:/thequint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: Several feared dead; PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata express grief
NEW DELHI: At least 35 people were injured and 10 were feared dead after a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday, with heavy rain and a rush of visitors triggering chaos near the exit gate. Prime minister Modi, home minister Amit Shah and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief over the incident. The incident took place at around 7.40 pm at the Sarada Park (Chorbagan) Durga Puja pandal, where a surge of visitors near the exit gate reportedly triggered panic as rain continued to fall. According to a senior police officer who spoke to PTI, people waiting outside the pandal rushed forward amid the rain, causing some to fall on the road. At least 35 people were taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH), while at least 25 were reported to be in serious condition, the officer said. Kolkata Police said all the injured had been rescued and taken to the hospital. Reinforcements, fire brigade personnel, disaster management teams, ambulances and medical staff were sent to the spot. The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors. “Details are awaited,” police said in a statement, adding that a helpline had been set up at the Lalbazar Control Room. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply distressed by the stampede in Kolkata, in a post on X, the Prime minister’s office wrote, “The stampede in Kolkata is extremely distressing. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected” Home minister Amit Shah also wrote in a ‘X’ post, “I have just received the extremely distressing news of multiple casualties after the stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. I have spoken with chief minister Suvendu Adhikari about this matter. I pray for the peace of the souls of those who have lost their lives in this tragic accident and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. The administration is making arrangements for the best possible medical treatment for the injured”. Shah also said he would cancel all his scheduled programmes in West Bengal on Sunday to visit the injured in hospital. In a post on X, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) supremo Mamata Banerjee said, “Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time.” Governor RN Ravi also expressed his grief in a statement issued by Lok Bhavan. “I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic stampede incident at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, resulting in the loss of many precious lives. In this hour of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.” Chief hinister Suvendu Adhikari and chief secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital, while health minister Saradwat Mukherjee and other senior officials also reached the hospital to check on the injured. The cause of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the reported casualties were yet to be officially established. 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
Rahul Gandhi to join Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Margao today
Margao: Senior Congress functionary Rahul Gandhi will join the culmination of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Margao on Sunday, as the party’s campaign “to protect Goa’s land, identity and people’s rights” reaches Navelim and Margao. According to a statement issued by Congress on Saturday, the yatra will arrive near Daivadnya Bhavan, Calconda, Margao, at 3pm. It will proceed from Perpetual Succour Ground and Lohia Maidan before moving to Dr Rajendra Prasad Stadium (MCC ground), where it will culminate in a public meeting. Gandhi’s participation in the yatra was cancelled at the last moment on two earlier occasions. The latest cancellation came earlier this week, when he was scheduled to join it in Cuncolim. Several senior national functionaries, including chief ministers, took part in the 27-day-long yatra. Congress said the yatra, which began in Panaji on Sept 22, received overwhelming support from the people. 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
Rereading the book of democracy
Before Indian democracy turns its next page, there needs to be atonement for earlier excess. Most repressive laws being used today were enacted earlier. What’s the plan, Rahul Gandhi was asked. He replied that tandava, the cosmic dance of destruction and creation, does not need a plan. The cosmos knows the steps already. It’s fortunate that he gets it, because after the dancing is over, his party is likely to play a key role in restoring the Indian political system. That’s assuming that the protesters remain steadfast and that all else remains constant in a turbulent world. If so, it’s an educated guess that the Modi government’s repressive actions would backfire and that power may slip from its fingers sooner rather than later. Young protesters may not have a plan, but they know exactly what they want: systemic change. Goodbye to the ossified politics of pervasive corruption, outdated hierarchies and rituals, and absurd totems and hatreds. That means dismantling the very foundation—India’s culture of distrust, which is a colonial hangover from when the rulers and the ruled were species apart. Democracies which were not preceded by colonialism are usually trust-based cultures. What the citizen says is believed and the onus to prove otherwise is on the government. In contrast, Indian citizens are presumed guilty until proven innocent and the onus of proof is on them. Many of India’s chronic disorders flow from this differential. The Congress is the right party to dismantle this superstructure, because it erected most of its beams and girders. Not because it is particularly vile, but because it has had the advantage of time—it has been in power much longer than the competition. The BJP has been spectacularly anti-democratic—its run rate is much higher, but its innings has been far shorter. India’s police and paramilitaries are earning disgrace globally for indiscriminately detaining and assaulting thousands of peaceful protesters, bystanders, women and even children on the orders of their political masters. This is inevitable because in the absence of reform, they are still performing the role of a colonial force subjugating a native population. Calls for police reform reached a crescendo in 1977, following extreme brutality during the Emergency. The actress and activist Snehalata Reddy died following ill-treatment for eight months in jail without trial. The engineering student P Rajan died under torture. These were only the most shocking cases. The National Police Commission was formed in 1977 to professionalise the force and insulate it from political pressure. Four committees and commissions were appointed since then, a PIL was filed by the senior police officer Prakash Singh and the Supreme Court issued directions in 2006. Compliance has been incomplete. So now, students, activists, MPs and journalists, many of them women, are being abused and physically and sexually assaulted by the police and paramilitaries. Would a future Congress-led alliance be willing to enforce police reforms―and renounce the ability to use the force as a private army? Consider the draconian laws which the Modi government has used to imprison and harass a long list of perceived enemies, from the Bhima-Koregaon detenus of 2018 to Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, who remain in custody without trial. The laws most amenable to such ignoble purposes were originally legislated by the Congress or the Congress-led UPA: the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (1967), the National Security Act (1980), the IT (Amendment) Act of 2008 (which added the controversial Section 66A). Financial curbs were initiated under COFEPOSA (1974) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (1976) followed during the Emergency to prevent Indian NGOs from being caressed by the “black hand of the CIA”. The UPA government used it to clamp down on the non-profit sector, and the present home ministry uses it for close control over voluntary and charitable work. Legislations of the BJP-led NDA governments have sharpened the teeth of these laws. While recasting the statute books, the BJP also tuned up colonial-era laws, making it easier to make dissent resemble sedition—a crime which should have vanished along with royalty. The objective of listing laws originated by Congress and UPA governments is to point out that when it appears that a page is about to be turned in Indian politics, and that the Congress’s hand could help turn that page, it has an opportunity to atone. In long-term electoral defeat, the nature of the party and its leadership has improved. It has also adapted better to the times than the BJP, which remains feudal. The Congress could resist the temptation to make new laws like MISA and UAPA, which are tools of repression dressed up as instruments for securing important-sounding but vague goals like national security, unity and integrity, public safety, cybersecurity, responsible use of social media, protection against the foreign hand―it’s a long list. From the time of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Indian politics has been the province of oppressive peevishness, a game-board for petty grudge matches over half-imaginary grouses and traumas. The soul of India has always been much larger, ample and forgiving. Soon, there will be an opportunity to return to a healthier political culture which looks forward to the future instead of nursing the grievances of a poorly-lit past. But to find the path of progressive politics which India was once celebrated for, past excesses must be acknowledged and abjured. After the tandava ends, perhaps the story of Indian democracy will begin anew. Pratik Kanjilal Pratik Kanjilal | SPEAKEASY | For years, the author has been speaking easy to a surprisingly tolerant public (Views are personal) Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights