The Scheduled Castes community of Sigaranahalli in Holenarasipur taluk have appealed to the district administration to help them take-up income-generating activities. For, they say they have been subjected to social boycott in the village following differences with the ‘upper castes’ over entering the temple and community hall.
The Dalits submitted a memorandum to the district administration stating that the ‘upper caste’ people had stopped calling them to work in their fields. Besides, Dalits could not continue with agricultural activities in their fields as the ‘upper caste’ people had refused to provide implements on rent. “Some of the youths in the Dalit colony visit Hassan every day in search of jobs. They have not been able to find jobs as they are not well-versed in any work other than agriculture,” said Raja, a Dalit youth.
Recently, the village was in the news after ‘upper caste’ people imposed penalty on a women’s self-help group for allowing four Dalit women to enter Sri Basaveshwara temple. Following this, the women filed a case against four ‘upper caste’ people under the SC,ST Atrocities (Prohibition) Act. The district administration succeeded in allowing Dalits to enter the temple amidst protest by the ‘upper caste’ on September 8. However, since then, the ‘upper caste’ people have kept themselves away from the temple. So far, neither the priest nor any ‘upper caste’ member has visited the temple.
Meeting today
The district administration has resolved to hold a meeting with village residents on Monday.
N.R. Purushotham, district social welfare officer, on Sunday, said, “Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya has instructed the department to hold a meeting with residents and list their requirements. We will submit a report to the department after the meeting.”
Youths of Sigaranahalli
seek assistance
of district administration to find jobs after the ‘upper castes’ refuse them work in fields
