Discrimination :caste

Introduction

Caste-based discrimination is a deeply entrenched social issue in India. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and numerous legal protections, millions of Indians—especially Dalits (Scheduled Castes)—continue to face exclusion, violence, and systemic marginalization due to their caste identity. This form of discrimination is not limited to villages or remote areas; even in cities, caste-based prejudices persist in subtle and overt ways. The injustice is structural and historic, perpetuating inequality generation after generation.

Historical Background of the Caste System

The Indian caste system is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago and was traditionally divided into four varnas: Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers). Outside this hierarchy were the so-called "untouchables," now referred to as Dalits. They were assigned the most degrading tasks, such as cleaning human waste, skinning animals, or working with leather—occupations considered "polluting" by the upper castes.

Though social reform movements and legal changes have tried to challenge this hierarchy, the mindset behind caste superiority and impurity still affects large sections of Indian society.

Constitutional Safeguards and Legal Provisions

India's Constitution, adopted in 1950, was a bold step toward social justice. Several provisions aim to end caste-based discrimination:

Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

Article 17 abolishes "untouchability" and makes its practice in any form a punishable offense.

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 specifically addresses crimes against Dalits and Adivasis.

Reservation policies in education, employment, and politics aim to uplift marginalized communities.

However, enforcement remains weak in many areas, and societal attitudes often dilute the spirit of these laws.

Forms of Caste-Based Discrimination

1. Social Discrimination

In many villages, Dalits are still prohibited from entering temples, drawing water from common wells, or participating in village functions. They are often made to sit separately in schools and gatherings. In extreme cases, inter-caste dining and marriages are met with violence.

2. Economic Exclusion

Dalits face barriers in accessing jobs, credit, land, and market opportunities. They are often restricted to low-paying, menial jobs and are excluded from positions of authority or decision-making. Even qualified Dalits sometimes face discrimination during hiring processes or are passed over for promotions.

3. Educational Disparities

Caste bias seeps into schools and colleges. Dalit students report being bullied, sidelined, or ignored by teachers and peers. Dropout rates among Dalits are significantly higher than the national average, often due to both poverty and social exclusion.

4. Violence and Atrocities

Dalits are disproportionately targeted in cases of physical violence, sexual assault, and mob lynching. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crimes against Dalits continue to rise annually. Many cases go unreported due to fear of reprisal and lack of legal support.

Affected Groups

Dalits (Scheduled Castes)

Dalits, who constitute about 16-17% of India’s population, remain the primary victims of caste-based discrimination. Despite the progress of some Dalits in education and politics, the majority still struggle for dignity and equality. In rural areas, they often live in segregated colonies and are excluded from community resources like temples, schools, and water sources.

Even in urban settings, Dalits face discrimination in housing, employment, and social interactions. Landlords may refuse to rent homes to Dalits, and their names or surnames often reveal their caste, leading to immediate bias.

Manual Scavengers

Manual scavenging—the practice of removing human waste by hand from dry toilets and open drains—is perhaps the most degrading form of caste-based labor. Despite being outlawed under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, thousands, mainly Dalit women, are still engaged in this practice.

The work is not only dehumanizing but also hazardous to health. Every year, several workers die from inhaling toxic fumes while cleaning septic tanks or sewers. Most of them belong to marginalized Dalit sub-castes such as the Valmiki or Mehtar communities.

Urban vs Rural Discrimination

While caste discrimination is often associated with rural India, it has not disappeared in cities. In urban areas, the methods are more covert but equally damaging.

Housing discrimination is common, with Dalits being denied rentals or forced into slums.

In corporate spaces, caste is rarely mentioned openly, but hiring biases exist. Dalit surnames, college affiliations (like studying at a state-run SC/ST hostel), or even reservation-based admissions can trigger prejudice.

Social networks also exclude Dalits, making it hard for them to benefit from referrals or mentorship.

In contrast, rural discrimination is more visible and institutionalized. Practices like separate wells, denial of entry into temples, and forced occupations are still widely prevalent.

Mental Health and Social Impact

The constant experience of exclusion, insult, and invisibility affects the mental health of Dalit individuals. Depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness are common. Many internalize caste-based humiliation, leading to low self-esteem. Tragically, caste-related suicides among students and laborers have been on the rise.

Social mobility is also hindered. When entire communities are kept at the margins for generations, it becomes difficult to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and disempowerment.
Role of Civil Society and Activism

Several Dalit rights organizations, activists, and social movements have been working to raise awareness and fight caste-based injustice. Leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram, and Rohith Vemula have become powerful symbols of resistance.

Modern Dalit movements use digital media, literature, music, and art to challenge caste hegemony and assert identity. However, activists often face threats, violence, and social boycott.

Way Forward

Eliminating caste-based discrimination requires a multi-pronged approach:

Education reform: Schools must incorporate anti-caste training and encourage inclusion from an early age.

Strict enforcement of laws: Offenders should be held accountable, and victims must be protected and compensated.

Economic empowerment: Programs should be created to ensure land access, skill development, and financial aid to Dalit communities.

Social campaigns: Mass media can play a role in reshaping caste attitudes and promoting inter-caste harmony.

Political will: Policies must not only exist on paper but be enforced with commitment.

Conclusion

Caste-based discrimination is a cruel reminder of India’s social fault lines. It not only violates human dignity but also impedes national progress by marginalizing millions. While legal frameworks have laid the groundwork for equality, societal transformation is still a work in progress. Ending this injustice requires collective action from governments, civil society, and individuals alike. Only then can India truly live up to its constitutional promise of liberty, equality, and fraternity for all.