Those critics of our Editor’s thesis of Ethnic identity“, whose only argument is that the Editor is “dividing” the Dalits and “destroying Dalit unity”, must answer my following question with reference to Orissa because I knew only my state.
In Orissa, the Dalit population is 16.24%. The literacy rate is 36.77%. In all, 93 subcastes come under the SC list but half of the subcastes have the same root and come from the same main jati. As far as illiteracy, poverty and social boycott are concerned, the Hadi (scavenger) subcaste (population 0.56%) is the worst sufferer and the weakest jati in Orissa.
Except as sweepers in offices, their participation in govt. services is very low. Denied of education, health and housing, they live in their huts or ghetos under subhuman conditions.
Besides the Hadis, Doms and Bauri are the other two Untouchable jatis with their population of 1.79% and 1.41% respectively and both equally backward.
“Dalit unity” is no where seen in Orissa because the message of Babasaheb and “ethnic identity weapons given by the Editor have not reached a big number weak Dalit jatis here.
DV readers must reach the weakest jatis and educate them on “ethnic identity” and the need for proportional representation and strengthen “Dalit unity”.
