Recently a conference was held in Bhopal of Dalit and tribal intellectuals and activists. They issued a Declaration called the Bhopal Declaration charting out a new course for Dalits and the tribal people for the 21st century. After calling for the implementation of the policies enshrined in our Constitution for their development, the Declaration emphasizes the importance, in this present era of privatization, of providing for representation for these deprived classes, not only in Government and public institutions but in private corporations and enterprizes which benefit from Government funds and facilities. Indeed in the present economic system and of the future, it is necessary for the private sector to adopt social policies that are progressive and more egalitarian for these deprived classes to be uplifted from their state of deprivation and inequality and given the rights of citizens and civilized human beings. The Bhopal Declaration
Address to the Nation by the President of India Shri K.R. Narayanan on the eve of Republic Day, 25 January 2002
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
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“A democratic form of Government presupposes a democratic form of society. The formal framework of democracy is of no value and would indeed be a misfit if there was no social democracy”. Dr. Ambedkar
The Bhopal Declaration Adopted Unanimously By
The Bhopal Conference: Charting A New Course For Dalits For The 21st
Century, held at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, 12-13 January 2002
We -- intellectuals and activists assembled at the Bhopal Conference, 12-13
January 2002 -- to deliberate the issues concerning the welfare of and justice to the
250 million Dalits (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes), and
Declaring our belief in Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s ideal of Social
Democracy and his prophecy that, “A democratic form of Government presupposes
a democratic form of society. The formal framework of democracy is of no value
and would indeed be a misfit if there was no social democracy”,
Endorsing the ideals of civil society enshrined in the Constitution of India,
particularly its Preamble that declares the Indian State’s commitment to Justice,
Liberty, Equality and Fraternity,
Recognising that the tenets established by the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights and various other charters of the United Nations which our nation
has acceded to also emphasise the same principles,
Recognising also the tribals’ legitimate and historical rights over forest and
forest-produce,
Acknowledging the role of tribal communities, particularly tribal women, to
the protection and conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources
as well as its culture and civilisation
Acknowledging also the need to ensure that SCs and STs are given due
representation in all bodies of decision making,
The Bhopal Declaration
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The social consensus over the Dalit cause - reluctantly agreed upon at the time of Independence - has by and large broken down.
Recalling the struggles that Babasaheb had waged for the emancipation of
his people and the historic rights he had won for them,
Mindful of the fact that even after 54 years of Independence, the Dalit
community is denied of its basic human rights and is also at the receiving end of
the most brutal and oppressive forms of discrimination and exclusion,
Reaffirming that concerted action by society as a whole - especially
coordination among the political leadership, officials and grassroots activists - is
necessary for the over-all development of the most oppressed of India,
Bearing in mind the responsibility to take forward our struggle at this critical
juncture in spite of the fact that most political formations are reluctant to pursue
any policy favourable to the Dalits,
Recognising that the social consensus over the Dalit cause - reluctantly
agreed upon at the time of Independence - has by and large broken down,
Convinced that informed and democratic discourse at all levels is essential
to re-negotiate a new consensus over redeeming the pledges of the founding fathers
of the Republic to do justice to Dalits,
Convinced also that the national psyche and public discourse in the country
accepts uncritically the rigid hierarchy and discrimination caused by caste and
thereby denies that caste is a major source of prejudice and brutal violence,
Emphasizing that Babasaheb’s stress on struggle through democratic and
constitutional means is relevant today,
Regretting that the post-Ambedkar Dalit intelligentsia has failed both in
carrying forward his emancipatory movement as well as making a dent in the country’s
intellectual life,
Recognizing the need for Dalits to make common cause with other liberation
and human rights movements in and outside the country,
Conscious of the hurdles that caste-Hindu society - and its tentacles in
government, media, voluntary sector, etc., - is likely to hurl at any serious movement
that challenges the entrenched system of discrimination and exclusion,
5
If the need be, the Government should purchase cultivate land and distribute it among Dalits.
Noting that women - especially Dalit women - represent the most oppressed
sections of our society, and that they face multiple forms of discrimination, including
caste-based, religious and patriarchal ideology and practices,
Welcoming the winds of change the world over that are conducive to
Inclusion, Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Democratisation and Civil Society, and
against discrimination, stereotype, stigma, exclusion and caste society,
Hoping that this country will no longer remain an exception to the global
norm of Progress, Equality, Justice, Peace and Social Harmony, and
We hereby Solemnly proclaim that while we rededicate ourselves to work
in unison to achieve basic rights of Dalits, we are convinced that unless the following
issues are resolved no amount of activism on our part and pro-active measures
from the State can liberate the community from the scourges of untouchability and
exploitation.
We therefore demand..
21-POINT ACTION AGENDA FOR THE 21st CENTURY
1. Ensure that each Dalit family will own enough cultivable land for socio-
economic well-being. The government should pursue all possible measures including
the distribution of surplus land, government revenue lands and temple lands within
a specific timeframe. If the need be, the government should purchase cultivate
land and distribute it among Dalits.
2. Enact legislation and enforce it stringently to enable Dalits have an
equitable share in the appropriation and use of the rural and urban common property
resources. The law must be amended to ensure that lengthy litigation with the
ulterior motive of denying Dalits of legal redressal, is not resorted to.
3. Enact legislation and enforce the right of Dalit agricultural labourers to
living wages, to gender parity in wages, to job security, to better working conditions
and welfare measures, and ensure punitive measures against offenders.
4. Appoint Statutory Committees at the national and state level to identify
The Bhopal Declaration
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Ensure the restoration of alienated lands to the tribals, restore their rights over forest and forest-produce
within specified time-frame all the Depressed Class lands occupied by non-Dalits,
to assess the quantum of compensation to be paid by non-Dalits for their illegal
utilization of lands, to identify the original owners and their nearest kith and kin for
restoring these lands back to them, to expedite legal proceedings in courts specially
appointed for this purpose against the illegal occupants and to ensure punitive
measures against them.
5. Ensure the restoration of the alienated lands to the tribals, restore their
rights over forest and forest-produce, provide them with compensation and
rehabilitation measures, extend resources and capacity building measures for gainful
utilization of their lands and forests and make those Dalits displaced due to
construction of dams/developmental projects as shareholders of such enterprises.
6. Democratise the capital so as to ensure proportionate share for SCs and
STs. Make budgetary allocation for SCs and STs to enable them enter the market
economy with adequate investment resources, and develop their capacities and
skills for such market enterprises.
7. Enforce with stringent measures the Bonded Labour System (Abolition)
Act, 1976 and abolish forthwith child labour to ensure freedom with dignity for all
the Dalits, and accordingly make suitable amendments in the appropriate legislations.
8. Amend Art. 21 of the Constitution of India: Fundamental Rights so as to
include the following rights for all citizens, but with special emphasis for SCs and
STs, and on the basis of two criteria, namely low economic income and without
religious discrimination: the rights to a standard of living adequate for the health
and well-being of women and men equally, including food, safe drinking water,
clothing, housing, public health and medical care, social security and social services;
the right to living wage and the right to own 5 acres of cultivable land or to gainful
employment.
9. Implement compulsory, free and high quality education for all Dalits
immediately, make allocation of funds proportionate to the number and level of the
illiterates, ensure compensation to those families which forfeit their income from
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Ensure diversity or SC/ STs’ due representation in all public institutions of the country
child-labour, increase the number and amount of scholarships, and provide better
infrastructural facilities in SC and ST schools and offer market-oriented vocational
and technical education.
10. Make the reservation quota applicable in all the public and private
educational institutions from primary to technical and professional levels. Every
SC/ST child with low income-base must be given quality free-education at State’s
expense. And every English medium school must implement Diversity in Admissions.
11. Recognize SC and ST women as a distinct category among women, and
accordingly make segregated data on Dalit women available in census reports,
action taken reports and progress reports, evolve national and state level perspective
plan for mainstreaming SC and ST women in developmental programmes, market
enterprises, financial allocation, reservation facilities in education, employment and
health facilities, and mandate the National and State Commissions for SC and ST
and for Women to study and report specifically the status of SC and ST women in
their annual reports.
12. Implement effectively in letter and spirit the SC and ST (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act, 1989 & Rules1995, especially with regard to atrocities against Dalit
women, and accordingly prosecute the dominant caste leaders and their minions
who stoke the fire of caste clashes and the police officials acting in connivance
with them. In cases of atrocities against SC/STs, a system of collective punishment
has to be evolved as oppressors enjoy community support and protection and
escape the law.
13. Ensure diversity or SC/STs’ due representation in all public institutions
of India, whether universities or academic or autonomous or registered bodies.
Those institutions, which do not abide by the principle of Affirmative Action, must
lose recognition and state funding. All private industry/ corporate houses must
accept and implement Diversity in workforce immediately.
14. Ensure that in all state and national budgets allocations are made as per
the proportion of SC and ST population and penal action taken against unutilisation
The Bhopal Declaration
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The State must assume sole responsibility in protecting the SCs and STs. The State must also identify those atrocity-prone areas and deploy forces
or diversion of funds meant for these sections.
15. Every government and private organization must implement Supplier
Diversity from socially disadvantaged businesses and Dealership Diversity in all
goods and services.
16. The State must assume sole responsibility in protecting the SCs and
STs. The State must identify those atrocity prone areas and deploy forces. In addition,
provide arms licences to the SCs & STs as stipulated in the Atrocities Act for self-
defence purposes, make the setting up of Dalit self-defence groups from village
onwards mandatory, and specially train Dalit women to handle weapons in self-
defence against the perpetrators of crimes and atrocities.
17.Eliminate the humiliating practice of manual scavenging on an urgent
footing through effective rehabilitation, alternative and sustainable employment
measures and developmental programmes, and prosecute violators of the
Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition)
Act, 1993, especially the gross violators Railways, Defence and Urban Local bodies.
18. Make it statutory for Parliament and State Assemblies to debate on the
Annual Reports of the National and State level Commissions for SC/ST and Safai
Karamcharis within the following year, and ensure that these annual reports and the
action-taken reports of the government are made public.
19. Make reservation mandatory in the private and corporate sector in the
same proportion as in the public sector and government institutions and develop
the capacities and skills of Dalits to help them cope up with the demands of these
different sectors.
20. Implement policy of reservation to SCs and STs at all levels of judiciary
and defence forces. And make transparent appointment processes in Judiciary by
doing away with the nomination system.
21. Bring out a Truth Paper in two years on the status of reservation during
the past 25 years and place it before Parliament and State Assemblies for debate,
and on a war footing fill immediately all the backlog posts meant for Dalits and that,
too, only with Dalit candidates.
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Introduction
Though the Bhopal Conference was held under the auspices of the Madhya Pradesh Government, it has caught the imagination of the Dalits everywhere. Distinguished Dalit scholars and economists were happy to be members of the Task Force which prepared this Report
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
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The Bhopal Conference, held on January 12-13, 2002, is a sterling example of the
government-people interface to chart out a new course for the socio-economic
development of the Dalits. Though the conference was held under the auspices of
the Madhya Pradesh Government, it has caught the imagination of the Dalits
everywhere.
The Bhopal Conference and the Bhopal Declaration generated intense debate
in the country and the Honourable President of India in his Republic Day Address,
2002 acknowledged it and endorsed the initiative.
Shri. Digvijay Singh, the Honourable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh,
became the first recipient of the, now historic, Bhopal Declaration. Immediately
after receiving the Declaration, in the closing ceremony of the Conference on January
13, the Chief Minister made two significant announcements:
l The Government of Madhya Pradesh would introduce Supplier Diversity
from the ensuing financial year 2002-2003 where 30% of government
purchases would be made from SC and ST traders and businessmen.
He announced that, to start with, the Supplier Diversity would be
implemented in the Department of SC and ST Welfare.
l A Task Force on the Bhopal Declaration would be set up, under the
Chairmanship of the Chief Minister himself, to make recommendations
to the Government on the implementation of the 21-Point Agenda of
the Bhopal Declaration.
Introduction
Though the conference was held under the auspices of the Madhya Pradesh Government, it has caught the imagination of the Dalits everywhere
12
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Subsequently, the Madhya Pradesh government formed a 20-member Task
Force on Bhopal Declaration by a notification on February 22, 2002.
1. Chief Minister Chairman
2. Minister for Scheduled Castes Member
3. Minister for Scheduled Tribes Member
4. Minister for Finance Member
5. Minister of State, GAD Member
6. Chief Secretary Member
7. Principal Secretary, SC& ST Welfare Member -Secretary
8. Principal Secretary, Finance Member
9. Principal Secretary,GAD Member
10. Secretary to CM (Dr. Amar Singh) Member
11. Commissioner,ST Welfare Member
12. Director,SC Development Member
13. Shri Chandra Bhan Prasad Expert Member
14. Shri Raja Sekhar Vundru Expert Member
15. Shri D.Shyam Babu Expert Member
16. Prof. Mrinal Miri Expert Member
17. Prof. Ram Dayal Munda Expert Member
18. Prof. Virginius Xa Xa Expert Member
19. Ms.Teesta Setalvad Expert Member
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Introduction
Special Invitee Experts
1. Prof. B.M.Mungekar
2. Prof. G.Nanchariah
3. Prof. K.S.Chalam
4. Prof. S.K.Thorat
5. Prof. Kancha Iliah
6. Dr.Gail Omvedt
7. Prof. Tiplut Nongbri
8. Dr. K.S.Chauhan
9. Shri Martin Macwan
10. Shri Paul Divakar
11. Ms. Meenakshi Nath
12. Shri M.Laxmiah
13. Dr. Tulsi Ram
Terms of Reference
1. The Task Force will make recommendations to Implement the Bhopal
Declaration.
2. The Task Force will focus on further expansion of Diversity into all sectors of
the Government.
3. The list of Special Invitees is subject to change as per the needs of the Task
Force which may include more experts on specified subjects. The Task Force held its 1st Meeting on March 15, 2002 in the Conference Hall
of the Vidhan Sabha, Bhopal. Upon discussions and deliberations on the making an
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Action Programme of the Declaration, the Task Force decided to form Sub-
Committees on the following issues:
SUB-COMMITTEE Declaration
Points
1. LAND AND COMMON PROPERTY 1,2,3,4
RESOURCES
2. TRIBAL ISSUES 5,8,11
3. CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS 7,8,12,16,17,18
4. DIVERSITY 6,13,14,15
5. EMPLOYMENT AND REPRESENTATION 19,20,21
6. EDUCATION 9,10,13
The relevant Agenda Points of the Bhopal Declaration are specified against
each Sub-Committee.
The following is the Composition of the Sub-Committees:
1. SUB-COMMITTEE ON LAND AND COMMON PROPERTY RESOURCES
Experts:
Prof. B.C.Mungekar
Prof. S.K.Thorat
Sh. M.Laxmiah
Dr. R.K. Nayak*
Sh. Velappan Karuppan*
Sh. M.M. Upadhyay*
Mrs. Neelam Rao*
Coordinating Officals :
Sh. S.S.Wankhade, Secretary,Revenue
Sh. Satya Prakash, Commissioner, Bhopal Division
15
Introduction
2. SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Experts:
Prof. Ram Dayal Munda
Prof. Virginius Xa Xa
Prof. Tiplut Nongbri
Sh. D.Shyam Babu
Coordinating Offical :
Dr. Balwan Singh, Additonal Commissioner, Tribal Development
3. SUB-COMMITTEE ON CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Experts:
Prof. Kancha Iliah
Ms. Ruth Manorama*
Sh. Martin Macwan
Sh. Paul Diwakar
Coordinating Offical :
Sh. S.S.Uppal, Secretary, Home
4. SUB-COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY
Experts:
Prof. K.S.Chalam
Dr. Gail Omvedt
Sh. Chandra Bhan Prasad
Ms. Meenakshi Nath
Coordinating Offical :
Sh. Sewa Ram, Commissioner, Tribal Development
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
5. SUB-COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND REPRESENTATION
Experts:
Dr. K.S.Chauhan
Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru
Sh. Narendra Kumar*
Sh. Rajeshwar Rangari*
Coordinating Offical :
Sh. R.Parasuram, Secretary, Human Resource Development
6. SUB-COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Experts:
Prof. Mrinal Miri
Prof. Tulsi Ram
Ms. Teesta Setalvad
Dr. Y.S.Alone*
Dr. A.L.Kenadi*
Sh. Rajesh Rajora*
Coordinating Offical :
Sh. D.P. Dubey, Secretary, Education
(*Special Invitees to the meetings of the Sub-Committees. See Appendix for
the details of the Members of the Task Force.)
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Introduction
The six Sub-Committees were assisted and coordinated by Commissioners/
Directors of the concerned departments, who were also the members of the Sub-
Committees. The coordinating departments provided information and all necessary
assistance.
Terms of Reference of the Sub-Committees:
1. The Action Agenda Points listed in the Bhopal Declaration have been
apportioned as per the broad area specified for each Sub-Committee.
2. Each Sub-Committee has the freedom to include in its ambit other Action
Agenda points if the Sub-Committee finds it to be in the interest of its broader
agenda.
3. The Sub-Committees may decide to sit as many occasions as needed.
4. The Sub-Committees which desire to convene a meeting will well in advance
inform the Member-Secretary who would finalise common dates for all the
Sub-Committees to sit and deliberate.
5. Individual Members of the Sub-Committees may seek information
independently from the coordinating department.
6. The Sub-Committees may call for any advice or information from other experts
in the area.
The Sub-Committees held a series of meetings interacting with experts from
various fields and benefited immensely from their experiences.
The Sub-Committees submitted their Reports in August 2002. The Government
of Madhya Pradesh circulated the Recommendations to various concerned
departments for their comments. After receipt of all the comments the full Task
Force was convened on November 11, 2002 at Bhopal to have a comprehensive
look at the Recommendations and the comments of the government departments.
The experts and the Government discussed in detail the recommendations.
The Task Force commends the Government of Madhya Pradesh for its historic
implementation of the Supplier Diversity by amending “The Madhya Pradesh Store
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Purchase Rules” and issuing ”The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare
Department Purchase Rules, 2002”.
The Task Force, taking into consideration all the reports, findings and
aspirations of 250 million Dalits of the country, hereby submits The Task Force
Report On Bhopal Declaration to the Government of Madhya Pradesh and trusts
that the Government will accept its recommendations and implement them earnestly thereby charting a new course for the Dalits for the 21st Century.
19
The concept and ideals of a civil society are enshrined in the Constitution of India framed by Dr. Ambedkar, whose preamble declares the commitment of the Indian State to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Conceptualising the Dalit Agenda
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
21
The Bhopal Declaration is a unique charter enshrining the aspirations, objectives
and expectations of the 250 million Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the
country and it is the road map for their socio-economic development.
The Declaration is a single flowing text but it has two parts insofar as
evaluating, recognising and acknowledging the status of Dalits at the turn of the
century and in the second part it enlists a 21-Point Action Agenda for the overall
development of the community. It is essential to look into the conceptual
understanding of the Bhopal Declaration before any recommendations are made.
One of the basic tenets of the Bhopal Declaration is Babasaheb Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar’s ideal of Social Democracy. His understanding of the Indian society
made him stress on the struggle through democratic and constitutional means. His
prophecy that “A democratic form of Government presupposes a democratic form
of society. The formal framework of democracy is of no value and would indeed be
a misfit if there was no social democracy” is the greatest lesson India should learn.
His struggles for the emancipation of his people and the historic rights he won for
them paved the way for the Dalit movements. At the turn of the millennium and
drawing inspiration from his ideals, the Bhopal Conference and the Bhopal Declaration
have opened new vistas.
The concept and ideals of a civil society are enshrined in the Constitution of
India framed by Dr. Ambedkar, whose preamble declares the commitment of the
Indian State to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The concept of equality that
the people of India gave onto themselves on November 26, 1949 included political,
social and economic equality.
Conceptualising the Dalit Agenda
It is essential to look into the conceptual understanding of the Bhopal Declaration before any recommendations are made
22
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The Declaration takes into consideration the fact that, even after 54 years of
independence, the Dalits are at the receiving end of the most brutal and oppressive
forms of discrimination and exclusion. It makes clear that there is a need for the
Dalits to make a common cause with all emancipatory movements.
There is a need to ensure Dalit representation in all decision-making bodies
without which their human rights will remain a mirage. The society as a whole with
its political leadership, bureaucracy and grassroots activists should make a
concerted effort for the overall development of the Dalits. The Declaration stresses
the need for consensus over redeeming the pledges and promises of the founding
fathers of the Republic on the rights of the Dalits.
The Declaration underscores the Indian psyche which is uncritical of the
rigid hierarchy of caste system and caste discrimination. The fact that caste is the
major source of prejudice and brutal violence unleashed on the community is
unfortunately ignored.
The Declaration recognizes the legitimate and historical rights of tribals over
forest and forest produce. The role of tribal communities, especially tribal women,
in protecting and conserving the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources,
its culture and civilization has been clearly amplified. Dalit women represent the
most oppressed section of our society, and they face multiple forms of discrimination
based on caste, religion, patriarchic ideology and obscurantist practices.
The Declaration recognizes the status of women and seeks to empower
them. The recognition of SC/ST women as a distinct category in census, planning,
development programmes, market enterprises, financial allocations, employment,
and health facilities is essential for the all round development of Dalit women who
are burdened by both gender and caste. The atrocities that are perpetrated on the
Dalit women are to be dealt sternly. The National and State Commissions of Women
should report in their annual reports on the status of SC and ST women.
Unfortunately, the National Policy on Women does not yet recognize the SC and
ST women as a distinct category.
There is a need to ensure Dalit representation in all decision-making bodies without which their human rights will remain a mirage
23
The Declaration expresses the hope that India will no longer remain an
exception to the global norms of progress, equality, justice, peace, social harmony
and to the winds of change the world over. Universally, democratic nations are
conducive to Inclusion, Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Democratisation and Civil
Society, and are against discrimination, stereotype, stigma, exclusion and caste
society. India should be no exception.
While rededicating itself to the Dalit cause, the Declaration regrets that the
post-Ambedkar Dalit intelligentsia has failed both in carrying forward his emancipatory
movement as well as making an impact on the nation’s intellectual life.
The Statement of Rededication
We hereby solemnly proclaim that while we rededicate ourselves to work in
unison to achieve basic rights of Dalits, we are convinced that unless the 21-Point
Dalit Agenda is implemented no amount of activism on our part and pro-active
measures from the State can liberate the community from the scourge of
untouchability and exploitation.
The Dalit Agenda for the 21st Century
The Bhopal Declaration took into consideration all conceivable aspects of
Dalits’ condition. The declaration emanates from the conceptual background of deep
understanding of the political, social, economic and cultural aspects of the commu-
nity.
The 21–point action agenda as a demand is all encompassing of Dalit libera-
tion. Land as the single most important asset was discussed threadbare and con-
cretized into action points in the declaration.
The Bhopal Declaration demands that the Government should ensure that
each Dalit family will own enough cultivable land for socio-economic well being. It
leaves it to the Government to pursue all possible measures including purchase of
cultivable land. The declaration seeks a specific time-frame to achieve the goal.
Conceptualising the Dalit Agenda
The Declaration expresses the hope that India will no longer remain an exception to the global norms of progress, equality, justice, peace, social harmony
24
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The declaration addresses the issue of land alienation and the land belong-
ing to Dalits illegally occupied by non-Dalits. It demands the restoration of the
same within a specific time-frame.
The inalienable rights of tribals over forest and forest produce, their rights as
shareholders of the land from which they are displaced due to development projects
are to be recognized. Compensation, rehabilitation, extension of resources and
capacity building for tribals for utilizing their land and forests need to be ensured.
The declaration recognises Dalit agricultural labourers as a separate target
group. It demands Dalit agricultural labourers’ rights to living wages, equal wages,
employment assurance, better working conditions and welfare. It demands legisla-
tion in this regard and punitive measures against offenders.
An equitable share in the community lands and such other rural and urban
common property resources was demanded.
The Bhopal Declaration demands several legislative measures. Amendments
to law that prevent lengthy litigations and denial of legal redressal for Dalits were
proposed. Similarly statutory committees both at Center and State levels for resto-
ration of land and removal of illegal occupation of Dalit lands were demanded.
Effective and strict implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and the Employment of Manual Scavengers
and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 and Bonded Labor System
(Abolition) Act, 1976 and child labor abolition measures was on the agenda points.
Seeking further statutory provisions for compulsory debate in Parliament
and state assemblies on the annual reports of the national and state SC/ ST com-
missions and the National Safai Karamcharis Commission, the declaration seeks
that action taken reports are made public.
The declaration puts forward the basic issue of the state’s role of protecting
the Dalits. It demands mandatory provisions of arms licenses, setting up of Dalits’
self-defence groups and training Dalit women for self-defence. Deployment of forces
in atrocity-prone areas should be mandatory.
An equitable share in the community lands and such other rural and urban common property resources demanded
25
In the realm of education the declaration demands compulsory, free and high
quality education for Dalits. Financial support from the Government at the level of
allocation of proportionate funds, compensation for child labour, infrastructural fa-
cilities, market-oriented vocational and technical education were demanded keep-
ing in view of the changing face of the employment market in the era of economic
reforms in India where there will be far high demand for skilled jobs in the private
sector. Reservation quota as an instrument to ensure equitable share in education,
whether in government or private institutions, is the need of the day. From primary
to technical and professional education all institutions need to implement reserva-
tions.
The Government should set aside funds for ensuring capital and credit op-
portunities to the Dalits. Adequate investment resources are necessary to enter
the market economy. The entire country’s market economy, now virtually controlled
by a few privileged castes, needs to be democratized. Make provisions for the
development of entrepreneurial skills, capacities for market enterprises. In every
budget the Centre and States should allocate funds proportionate to the SC/ST
population.
The issue of diversity and democratisation of all walks of life has been the
mainstay of the Bhopal Declaration. Democratisation of capital and credit and en-
suring a proportionate share for the Dalits in the market economy should be taken
seriously. Diversity in workforce will be one of the major issues that will be haunting
the nation in the years to come as a result of the liberalization of economy, global-
ization of trade and privatisation of services. The process of affirmative action will
have to start right away in not only the private sector and corporate sector but also
in all educational, academic and autonomous institutions. Registered bodies with
the Government should comply with the basic tenets of democractisation of workforce.
The institutions that do not practice workforce diversity should be stripped off gov-
ernment recognition.
The practice of obtaining supplies from a diverse group of communities and
Conceptualising the Dalit Agenda
India’s market economy, now virtually controlled by a few privileged castes, needs to be democratized
26
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
awarding dealerships to a socially diverse group of businesses should be the basic
tenet of democractisation. All the public and private enterprises must start practic-
ing diversity. The share of the SC/STs should be automatically awarded to their
businesses. It is imperative for the Government to initiate programmes to develop
skills and capacities of the Dalits in this regard.
The Dalits have been completely excluded from the armed forces. There-
fore, the demand for reservations in defence forces needs to be accepted. The
community’s rightful share in posts at all levels of judiciary can no longer be ig-
nored. The lack of transparency in the appointment of judges, which adversely
affected the community, should be done away with.
Finally, the Agenda set forth by the Bhopal Declaration demands a Truth
Paper by the Centre and all States on the status of implementation of reservations
during the past 25 years.
What started as a conference of Dalit activists and intellectuals in Bhopal
has opened up new ideas and vistas of freedom. It will pave a long way in the
emancipation of Dalits and bring about equality of the society and usher in a demo- cratic, vibrant, responsive India in the 21st Century.
The community’s rightful share in posts at all levels of judiciary can no longer be ignored
27
Reaching Out to the Poorest of the Poor
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
Of the people living below the poverty line (BPL) and among the landless agricultural labour, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) form the majority. The SC/STs are the most vulnerable section susceptible to hunger, malnutrition and disease. They are subjected to continuous exploitation and violence. Most of the existing schemes have failed to reach them. And the schemes are thinly spread, rendering their impact negligible. Therefore, the Government should target this group for providing guaranteed employment and care of its basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, education and healthcare.
28
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
29
The greatest problem that confronts this section is the lack of food security. There
are few employment opportunities and even though the BPL/ landless SC/STs are
in constant search of work, there is not sufficient employment available to this
asset-less, unskilled millions. This renders their existence so precarious, insecure,
making them live in deplorable conditions and the problem of food security should
be the first and foremost issue to be tackled by any democratic Government and
by a country whose buffer stocks of foodgrains are overflowing.
1) It is imperative, therefore, that the Government recognises their right to work
and to living wages as a fundamental right and guarantees employment at
least 200-days in a year, which is made mandatory by law. Make Panchayat
Raj Institutions accountable for implementing the Government’s commitment
of guaranteed employment by law.
2) Pool all rural development funds at panchayat, block, district and state-levels
meant for employment-generation, and first spend the money to ensure at least
200-days employment in a year to this section. Works should primarily focus
on improving the SC/ST lands and providing irrigation facilities and should be
labour intensive. This should be made mandatory by law. Other types of work
can be taken up only after fulfilling this commitment. And the decision on the
type of work should be taken by the interested group.
3) If the Government/ Panchayats fail to provide employment for at least 200
days in a year to BPL/ landless SC/STs, they should be given ‘unemployment
allowance’ which should not be less than 75% of the minimum wage under the
law.
Reaching Out to the Poorest of the Poor
There are few employment opportunities and even though the BPL/ landless SC/STs are in constant search of work, there is not sufficient employment available
30
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
4) The Government should provide comprehensive medical and health insurance
cover to all BPL/ landless SC/STs by paying full premium. Such insurance
cover should enable these poor families to walk into a hospital without having
to pay any money.
5) These vulnerable sections of BPL/ landless SC/STs should have across–the-
counter access to foodgrains from Grain Banks set-up in every village and
mohalla . The grain so borrowed can be returned in kind or through labour ren-
dered under any scheme by the borrower.
6) Create and maintain a database on the BPL/ landless SC/STs at panchayat,
block, district and state-levels. There should be family-wise, periodic monitor-
ing of their living conditions at all levels mentioned above, based on uniform
benchmarks such as: Do they have sufficient employment opportunities to
sustain their families? What is the nutritional level of the family? What is the
general condition of their health, especially that of mother and child? Are they
in a position to send their children to school? Are they having proper shelter?
etc.
7) Devise a trigger mechanism to alert the top political and bureaucratic machin-
ery at the state-level whenever the condition of the BPL/ landless SC/STs in
an area falls below the benchmarks. Officials should be given specific targets
and their performance be measured accordingly.
8) Upto-date data on the BPL/ landless SC/STs and the resources allocated for
their welfare should be made public and annual reports thereon placed before
the state assembly. And also publish district-level quarterly data.
9) All government schemes whether Central or State should be redesigned and
revised to first and foremost target this section to take care of their minimum
needs. Such an exercise should be initiated at once at all levels.
10) During difficult times such as drought/ flood, surplus foodgrains with the gov-
ernment should be used in the food for work scheme to feed this section. The
Government should not get into lengthy and time-consuming processes of de-
There should be family- wise, periodic monitoring of their living conditions at all levels
31
claring areas as drought-affected and wait for foodgrains’ supply eternally from
the central government. The District Collector should be empowered to indent
foodgrains from the nearest FCI stocks as soon as an area is declared drought-
affected.
11) Those who are unable to feed themselves cannot be expected to send their
children to school. Hence the Government should adopt at least one child each
from the families of the BPL/ landless SC/STs and take care of his/ her entire
educational needs till he/ she starts earning for the family.
12) Provide social security to these families on the death of their bread-winner by
a uniform insurance cover. The compensation should be paid within 15-days
unlike the delays being experienced in the National Family Benefit Scheme.
13) A poor old person loses the strength to work as he grows older rendering him
so helpless to sustain his life. Ensure compulsory monthly old-age pension to
all BPL/ landless SC/STs.
14) End discrimination on the availability of safe drinking water to the SC/STs.
Every SC/ST locality shall have guaranteed safe, potable drinking water. Enact
legislation guaranteeing this right a responsibility of the State Government.
15) The central government should ensure time-bound provision of pucca housing
for all BPL/ landless SC/ST families by 2008. The process should be started
by the State Government by allotting house-plots.
16) Migrant labourers and nomadic tribes leave their place of origin to other places/
states for work. Migrant labourers be provided with a Ration Card so that they
can obtain ration at subsidised prices in the new place of work. Such a card
issued by a State Government should be accepted by all states/ UTs and the
Government of India should initiate a scheme in this regard.
17) There should be not less than proportionate share for the SC/STs at constitu-
ency level in the funds at the discretion of the MPs and MLAs (such as in the
MPLADS).
18) Similar provisions should be made for proportionate share to the SC/STs in the
Reaching Out to the Poorest of the Poor
Those who are unable to feed themselves cannot be expected to send their children to school
32
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
discretionary funds at the disposal of the ministers, chief ministers and the
Prime Minister.
Urban Asset-less Families
1) The Task Force recommends the formulation of schemes like construction of
shops at commercial places in urban areas and allot them to SC/ST families.
One segment of the community is well placed to make use of the opportunities
open to it as a result of its educational attainments. Therefore, there is a need
to sustain the development this section has so far achieved by helping it to
advance further. Such an approach will have spill-over benefits.
2) However, a majority of urban SC/STs lead their lives in sub-human conditions.
Their basic needs, especially housing, should be taken care of. The Govern-
ment should construct colonies for them in the heart of the cities/ towns so
that they can have access to civic amenities and employment. Special atten-
tion should be paid to in-situ development of juggi-jopri areas including proper
drainage and sewerage and to create SC/ST housing societies. The urban de-
velopment authorities should allot land for housing and either the Governt Fi-
nancial Institutions should provide interest-free housing loans in time-bound
programmes to end homelessness among this section.
A majority of urban SC/ STs lead their lives in sub-human conditions. Their basic needs, especially housing, should be taken care of
33
Tribal communities are the most marginalised section of the society and they are at the bottom of all human development indicators, as the data churned out year after year by national and international Human Development Reports amplify the reality. They live under the shadow of poverty, hunger and disease. Their emancipation requires sustained welfare measures, restoring their age-old rights over forest and forest produce and bringing them on par with the rest of the society in all respects. A New Dawn for Tribals
34
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
35
First they were driven out of fertile lands and then into forests. Later, they were deprived of even the forests
First Rights of Tribals over Forest is an inalienable and irrefutable historical fact.
The colonial rule for the first time deprived the Tribals of their forest and viewed
forests only as a source of revenue. That process of Tribal impoverishment and
alienation continues even today after 55 years of independence. First they were
driven out of fertile lands and then into forests. Later, they were deprived of even
the forests. Then their rights even over forest produce and revenue were taken
away. Now their life-styles and freedom of movement — in the areas hitherto be-
longed to them — are severely restricted. Myriad laws and various state agencies
harass them and deny them of their basic human rights. The Government of Madhya
Pradesh should take the lead – and also persuade the Government of India – to end
the tragedy of our Tribal brethren.
1) Tribals should be made co-sharers/ partners in all revenue from the economic
activities in forest areas such as mining, logging, tourism, forest produce, etc.
2) It is unreasonable to expect the poor Tribals to bear the brunt of protecting the
environment for the entire nation. The whole society and a plethora of environ-
mentalists are depriving the Tribals of their livelihood in the name of environ-
ment. In fact, it is the responsibility of all of us to safeguard the environment.
Environmental protection can be ensured by social forestation and by creating
and expanding the green cover in non-Tribal areas also. Should the Tribals be
starved in the name of protecting the environment? Therefore, it is imperative
that the Government immediately have a relook at the Forest (Conservation)
Act, 1980 which has not proved to be pro-Tribal. And the Government should
consider, in consultation with the Tribal communities, how to ensure the First
Rights of Tribals over Forest and Forest Produce.
A New Dawn for Tribals
36
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Degraded forest lands and revenue lands entered as forest lands should be given to Tribals for aforestation and allied activities
3) The Government should invoke the Kyoto Protocol, 1997 to use carbon trading
provisions for the benefit of the Tribals.
4) Degraded forest lands and revenue lands entered as forest lands should be
given to Tribals for aforestation and allied activities. Tribals should have exclu-
sive rights over all revenue from aforestation and allied activities.
5) Money-lenders represent the greatest curse on the Tribals. The scourge of in-
debtedness must be eradicated by all means including the enactment of strict
laws and through self-help groups/ micro-financing facilities. A hassle-free ac-
cess to credit and consumer/personal loans through their own Rural and Urban
Banks can solve the problem. Special schemes should be drawn up so that
they can have their own cooperative banks.
Land Alienation and Restoration
1) There should be transparency and access to land records at the village level to
the Tribals. Regular updating of land records and display of revenue details at
the village level should be part of transparency. Tribals should be allowed to
participate in the process of survey of land.
2) Ensure speedy disposal of cases where Tribals are involved and oral evidence
should be admissible where records are absent. Where lands are restored to
Tribals, the non-Tribals should not be granted stay by the courts. In cases
where non-Tribal does not handover the possession of land to the Tribal after
the court order the case should be registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act, 1989. Revenue officials should be made responsible for ensur-
ing physical possession of the land to Tribals immediately. There should be a
system of monthly monitoring of the restoration of land by Collectors and Com-
missioners and action should be taken against erring officers. State Commis-
sion for Scheduled Tribes should also monitor the cases.
3) All forest villagers should be given patta for the land, which they are cultivating
37
Name of the female member of the family should also be included as Bhumi Swamy along with the male members in land records
A New Dawn for Tribals
since the ages. And the Tribals residing in forest areas should be allowed to
cultivate the land.
4) When new land is allotted to Tribals, they should also be provided with the
compensation for livelihood for at least two years.
5) Name of female member of the family should also be included as Bhumi Swamy
along with the male members in land records.
6) Drought-proofing should be ensured by developing critical areas under Inte-
grated Watershed Management Programme. Watershed programme should also
be continued and the construction of Rain Water Harvesting Structures needs
to be encouraged.
7) The last date for application fixed in Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code,1959
(being replaced by Bhusudhar Adhiniyam Bill, 2002 ) has expired hence the
date 31-12-1978 should be deleted to facilitate the Tribals to apply for restora-
tion of possession of the transferred land. Similarly, the provision of restriction
regarding the transfer of Tribal land to non-Tribal in Scheduled Areas should be
made applicable to whole of the state.
8) Appearance of Advocate without permission is debarred in cases under Sec-
tion 170(A)&(B) of Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code,1959. Such provision
should be made applicable to all revenue cases of Tribals.
Forest Economy
1) The right of access to forests and forest produce should primarily be for the
bonafide use of the Tribal communities living within and around forest areas. It
can be done by involving Tribal communities living close to the forest in regen-
eration, afforestation, protection and management by ensuring the following
conditions:
a) Adequate forest areas are entrusted to well defined users groups
38
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
There is brisk economic activity in and around Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Parks but the Tribals have no role in it
b) It should be linked with food for work scheme.
c) Security of tenure as well as long-term access to benefits from the re-
sources are assured.
2) Forest villages should be intensively developed on the pattern of Primitive
Tribal Groups. All forest villages should be well defined and the residents of
these villages should enjoy all the rights as by those in any non-forest revenue
village. This should be ensured by legislation. Heritable and inalienable rights
on the land should be given on priority basis.
3) Organised commercial cultivation and collection of medicinal plants by Tribals
should be encouraged.
4) Appropriate marketing of non-timber forest produce, on the lines of Tendu leaf
marketing, should be encouraged as it will improve the economy of the Tribals.
5) Integrated area development programme should be undertaken to meet the
needs of the Tribal economy in and around the forest areas including the provi-
sions of alternative sources of domestic energy on a subsidised basis to re-
duce the pressure on forests. Agro-forestry and social forestry should be pro-
moted for meeting the food, fodder, fuel wood, timber, bamboo requirements of
the people. Commercial forestry should be promoted for economic develop-
ment of the Tribals. For example, encouraging bamboo cultivation will improve
the economy of the Tribal.
6) There is brisk economic activity in and around Wild Life Sanctuaries and Na-
tional Parks but the Tribals have no role in it. Tribals should be trained to take
part in commercial activities in these areas. For example, vehicles ply for
tourists and Tribals can be trained in driving and purchase of vehicles should be
financed by Tribal Development & Finance Corporations. Only the Tribals should
be allowed to ply these vehicles. Instead of driving them out, the Tribals can be
engaged in the management of these sanctuaries and parks. Also training them
in flora and fauna will help the Tribals to become tourist guides.
39
Rehabilitation
1) The Government of India should formulate new rehabilitation policy for SC/
STs. A Tribal community living in a village should be shifted and rehabilitated in
one place and not in different places. Villagers should be taken into confidence
while implementing the policies of shifting and in the process of rehabilitation
from the beginning till the end. Rehabilitation should be on community basis
(‘Cultural Rehabilitation’) and not individual basis as has been the case so far.
Moreover, the dwelling unit constructed for the rehabilitation should be as per
the requirements of the Tribal and he should be involved in the process of
construction. Members of Parliament, especially the SC/ST MPs, should be
persuaded to pressurise the Union Government to enact required legislation.
2) Rehabilitation cost should be part of the Project and the compensation should
be paid at market rate. The process of rehabilitation should be completed be-
fore the start of the project. Rehabilitation package must invariably be one of
up-gradation, offering better economic and social conditions than the one the
Tribals were previously subjected to.
3) The Tribal whose land has been acquired for an industrial / mining project should
be made a shareholder for royalty-sharing. In such industries one person from
the family should be given permanent employment. It will be appropriate to give
training in different trades to the Tribals in question so that they can get em-
ployment in industries established. Where employment is not provided to the
affected-Tribals – for whatever reasons — a monthly stipend should be paid to
them.
4) The land of Tribals should be taken on lease only, instead of acquiring the land
for industries. The Gram Sabha, with the consent of the Tribal-owner, may re-
new the lease and the lease period should not be more than 20 years. The
mining lease should be given to Tribal persons or Tribal Cooperative Societies.
Necessary financial assistance should be provided through Tribal Finance and
Development Corporation.
A New Dawn for Tribals
Rehabilitation package must invariably be one of up-gradation, offering better economic and social conditions than the one the Tribals were previously subjected to
40
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
5) There should not be displacement of Tribals for any project whether mining,
energy or any other in the Scheduled Areas and Protected Areas. Displace-
ment should only be permitted under unavoidable circumstances, such as un-
der instances of great national importance or public interest. Even in such
cases, the affected Tribal be given life-long remuneration which should be linked
to the Consumer Price Index. This remuneration should be extended to his
legal successors.
6) The Tribal whose land has been acquired for a dam should be allotted land in
the command area so that he can get water for irrigation. Such Tribals should
be exempted from irrigation cess. They should be given exclusive fishing rights
and exclusive rights over boating for tourists.
Healthcare
Because of genetic reasons, food habits, their environment and, more than any-
thing else, their poverty, the Tribal communities are susceptible to various endemic
diseases. Therefore a special drive is necessary to study the problem and come
out with solutions. Meanwhile, the entire community should be covered under com-
prehensive health insurance.
Primitive, Nomadic/ Denotified Tribes
1) Take care of health, employment and educational needs of Primitive, Nomadic/
Denotified Tribes. Encourage them to diversify from their traditional occupa-
tions.
2) Restrictions on mining and logging in forest areas have deprived them of the
only avenues of work and, as a result, their food security has been threatened.
Therefore, the Government should immediately initiate measures to provide
alternate employment opportunities and grain banks so that their food security
is ensured.
3) These groups should be given preference when implementing welfare schemes
meant for the Tribals.
Displacement should only be permitted under unavoidable circumstances, such as under instances of great national importance or public interest
41
Fast Forward…
hen compared even to the condition of the Scheduled Castes, the socio-economic
profile of the Scheduled Tribes tends to be more depressing. Unlike among the
SCs, educated middle class among the STs is too small to call it a separate seg-
ment. Cultural and geographic barriers, in addition to poverty and discrimination,
are preventing the upward mobility of the Tribals. Therefore, the government should
make an extra effort to push the Tribal community into higher education and com-
mensurate employment. Apart from striving to raise literacy and educational lev-
els, the government should forthwith concentrate on improving the required skills
among the already educated STs.
A very few among the educated Tribal youth may get jobs in the public sector and
the remaining majority will be hard pressed to find suitable employment. Because
their educational foundations are weak and their skills in English language or com-
puters are not upto the mark.
1) Therefore, the government should consider all means to upgrade their skills in
English, sciences, maths, management, computers, etc., through career
counelling, special coaching camps so that they can get employment in the
open market. Such an endeavour is practicable and will yield quick, tangible
results. There can be no better motivation for Tribal parents to send their wards
to school than the evidence that education gives returns that they never even
dreamt of.
A New Dawn for Tribals
There can be no better motivation for Tribal parents to send their wards to school than the evidence that education gives returns that they never even dreamt of
Ensuring the well-being of the SC/ST women and children should be at the core of any development agenda. Because they happen to be the main victims of poverty and underdevelopment and unless they are specifically targeted in the welfare schemes, the community’s advancement cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, returns on the expenditure for women’s development, such as on their education, have been proved to be far more substantial than on development expenditure without gender component.
Women and Child Development
44
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
45
The Task Force recommends the inclusion of gender component in all the
developmental initiatives arising out of the Bhopal Declaration.
For example…
1) No effort should be spared when it comes to encouraging the education of
the girl-child.
2) Keeping in view the fact that female SC/ST teachers can better motivate their
families as well as the community to send children to school, the Task Force
recommends that educated women of the community should be given preference
in appointing teachers.
3) It is also a well-known fact that women-managed thrift societies/ micro-credit
institutions/ self-help groups have been very successful, as experience shows
in Bangladesh. Therefore, in the proposed SC/ST micro-credit/ self-help
cooperatives, women should be given the pivotal role.
4) Similarly, women should be brought in in a big way in the Diversity Initiative.
Encourage them to form cooperatives of small scale/ cottage industries and
also train them to produce the kind of goods that can be purchased under
Diversity.
5) Make it mandatory that 50% of the benefits in all initiatives go to the SC/ST
women.
6) Health and nutritional requirements of women and children should be taken
care of under specific schemes.
Women and Child Development
Women should be brought in in a big way in the Diversity Initiative. Encourage them to form cooperatives of small scale/ cottage industries
By the year 2008, no SC/ST family will earn its livelihood as Landless Agricultural Labourers. They would have been allotted enough cultivable land by the Government, or will have on their own or by the support of the government, moved away to other professions, more dignified, more paying in nature. The 2008-deadline should be split into annual targets of land distribution.
Land and Common Property Resources
48
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
49
Each SC/ST landless family should be provided with minimum 5 acres of agricul-
tural land. Those SC/STs who are having less than 5 acres of land should be given
extra land so as to take their total to 5 acres. All possible means including a new
phase of land reforms should be pursued in this regard. We meanwhile recommend
the following measures.
1) The Government should accelerate the distribution of grazing land, land found
to be surplus under land-ceiling and Bhoodan lands. It should also pursue all
means to curtail unnecessary and anti-SC/ST litigation in land reform cases.
2) A loan-cum-subsidy scheme should be started to purchase land by SC/ST
families. The State SC/ST Finance and Development Corporation should take
advantage of the existing schemes of the Government of India and formulate a
viable scheme utilizing maximum amount of Special Central Assistance.
3) Purchase of land for distribution can be one of the better ways. Financial con-
straints cannot be cited as an excuse not to consider purchasing land for dis-
tribution. The Government of India and various state governments have bor-
rowed money from national and international institutions for all conceivable
reasons. Money can as well be borrowed for this purpose as it would definitely
lift the poverty-stricken landless SC/ST masses out of their misery.
4) Degraded forest lands and revenue wastelands which carry the entry of minor
forest and being treated as forest land should be identified and distributed to
landless SC/STs. For that suitable legislative action is required at both state
and central levels.
5) Mere distribution of land will not be enough to bring them out of poverty be-
cause the lands owned by the SC/STs or the lands distributed to them are not
Land and Common Property Resources
Financial constraints cannot be cited as an excuse not to consider purchasing land for distribution
50
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
very productive. Therefore, the Government should take the responsibility to
make all these lands productive so that the community can be economically
self-sustaining. All rural development funds should be pooled and used for the
betterment of these lands.
6) Those landless SC/ST agricultural labourers who wish to turn into tenants,
should be extended all help including interest-free loans to pay tenancy charges
as well as to buy inputs. The Government of India and state governments
should declare a comprehensive scheme in this regard.
7) The community should have equitable share in the common property resources
such as village tanks, sand and sand-stone, quarries, orchards, trees, etc.,
and to realise that suitable provisions should be made in Panchyat Act and
other local bodies legislation. The commendable legislative changes that Madhya
Pradesh has already brought about should be implemented in true spirit. The
State Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development Corpo-
ration should formulate special schemes to help SC/ST entrepreneurs to take
advantage of the provision to M.P. Minor Mineral Rules.
The community should have equitable share in the common property resources such as village tanks, sand and sand-stone, quarries, orchards, trees, etc
51
Create an all-inclusive, dynamic and prosperous society for India, where all traditional caste identities and birth-based notions and practices of advantages and disadvantages will become a thing of the past. The Ideal of Diversity means that all institutions – both public and private – should reflect the ‘diversity’ in the society. Such an ideal can only be realised by ensuring Equality of Opportunity in all walks of life. Diversity: The Way Out
52
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
53
The disinvested oil companies should continue dealerships to SC/STs in the same manner as in the Government
Diversity: Supplies/ Dealerships/ Contracts
1) While commending the Government of Madhya Pradesh for implementing the
Supplier Diversity in SC/ST welfare departments, the Task Force recommends
that the same be extended to all the government departments.
2) The State while buying goods and services from the open market should issue
policy guidelines that goods and services in proportion to SC/ST population
will be purchased from SC/ST entrepreneurs or enterprises controlled by them.
3) The automobile sector should come forward and provide dealerships to SC/
STs and make special efforts in this regard.
4) The private sector, especially the consumer goods and pharmaceutical sector,
which market their products through a network of distributors and dealers, should
ensure that SC/STs are encouraged and given dealerships and distributorships.
5) In the changing scenario of disinvestment the Government should ensure that
the oil/ LPG/ CNG dealerships to the SC/STs would continue and the disinvested
oil companies should continue dealerships to SC/STs in the same manner as
in the Government.
6) The private oil companies which are entering the market should ensure Oil/
LPG/ CNG dealerships to SC/STs in the pattern implemented by the govern-
ment as their commitment to the social development of the country.
7) The Government should direct government & semi-government organisations
that supply material to the Government to promote and register SC/ST entre-
preneurs. And while making supplies to the various government departments,
ensure that proportionate share of government purchases come from SC/ST
entrepreneurs.
Diversity: The Way Our
54
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
8) The large manufacturers should be encouraged to sell their goods to the gov-
ernment through business entities owned and run by SC/STs.
9) The Government, while giving licenses/ clearances/ tax-concessions to manu-
facturers, should put conditions that they will practice Dealership Diversity.
10) The Government should arrange training through diploma courses for educated
SC/ST youth in skills and knowledge in modern methods of business and ser-
vices and motivate them to set up enterprises.
11) The SC/ST corporations should formulate their schemes in such a way that
SC/ST entrepreneurs can raise their capital requirements through these schemes.
Encouraging entrepreneurial skills among the community requires initiating
Capacity Building measures and providing working capital. The Government
should introduce all possible programmes to make SC/ST businesses sustain-
able.
12) The State Government awards liquor licenses worth crores of rupees every
year. Diversity in allotment of liquor outlets can promote many SC/ST entrepre-
neurs.
13) Diversity should be ensured in awarding contracts of various government
projects in case of large contracts there should be a clause in contract deed
that the contractor shall ensure diversity while awarding sub-contracts, em-
ploying workers & procuring material.
Diversity: Workforce
1) SC/STs must have share in workforce in proportion to their population. If re-
quired, in-service training should be given to bring them to the desired levels.
2) The State should build an environment for wider acceptance of affirmative
action in partnership with industry and corporate sector, including organiza-
tions in both manufacturing and services sectors of the economy.
3) Apex trade and industry bodies should be persuaded to establish Affirmative
Action Committees within their organizations. They should also be persuaded
Encouraging entrepreneurial skills among the community requires initiating Capacity Building measures and providing working capital
55
to voluntarily frame guidelines for their constituent units to encourage affirma-
tive action within their respective organizations.
4) Trade and industry associations should build a dynamic database of the exist-
ing situation as far as actual employment to the disadvantaged groups is con-
cerned. It should be mandatory for all bodies employing more than 50 workers
to declare the social composition of their workforce, agents, sub-agents and
the dealers.
5) Trade and industry associations can design a charter, which includes a volun-
tary commitment towards action on the part of their constituents.
6) Trade and industry associations can help publicise best practices in the field to
encourage others to emulate the examples.
7) The Government can come out with an incentive and reward policy for best
Diversity practitioners in the private sector.
8) A separate set of policy guidelines can be laid down for those private sector
organizations that would like to participate in providing services on contract to
the Government. These can be on the basis of certificates issued by trade and
industry bodies, which again shall be required to get their procedures audited
by independent ombudsmen appointed by the Government.
9) The SC/STs should be encouraged to promote cooperatives, registered bodies
to run businesses, educational institutions etc.
10) All public institutions that don’t follow Diversity and discriminate against SC/
STs should lose recognition and government funding, if any.
11) All industrial/ corporate houses in private sector get various kinds of facilities
from the Government such as land at concessional rates, tax-relief, etc. More-
over, public money is being invested in many companies. Such companies and
industries should mandatorily follow reservations.
12) The other private sector companies/ industries should be persuaded to follow
Diversity in supplies, workforce and contracts.
13) All disinvested companies should continue to provide for reservations to SC/
Diversity: The Way Our
All bodies employing more than 50 workers should declare the social composition of their workforce, agents, sub-agents and the dealers
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Create a Diversity Cell in the State SC/ST Commission, which will be the nodal agency to ensure the effective implementation of the Diversity Act
STs. The present policy of inserting a “best endeavour clause” should be changed
and reservations should be restored.
14) A new legislation – which may be called “the Diversity Act” — should specifi-
cally declare the following practices as unlawful:
i. Failure or refusal to hire an individual or otherwise discriminate against any
based on caste/ Tribe with respect to the terms and conditions of employ-
ment.
ii. To limit, segregate or classify employees or applicants for employment or
training in any manner that would deprive or tend to deprive SC/STs of em-
ployment or training opportunities.
15) Create a Diversity Cell in the State SC/ST Commission, which will be the nodal
agency to ensure the effective implementation of the Diversity Act.
Democratising Credit
1) A special law should be enacted so that the schemes of the financial institu-
tions (FIs)/ nationalised banks/ cooperative banks redesigned to ensure that a
minimum credit in proportion to SC/ST population flows to enterprises belong-
ing to these categories. The Task Force rather feels that, given the decades old
exclusion of the community, credit that is more than proportionate to their
population is needed to accomplish a semblance of equality.
2) The above recommendation be made applicable by law to all private banks,
FIs, non-banking finance corporations, etc.,
3) An asset-less SC/ST cannot furnish guarantees for taking loans and hence
credit without guarantees should be arranged. Suitable amerndments to the law
should be made in the case of SC/ST borrowers to dispense with the provision
of furnishing guarantees.
4) The national and state SC/ST Corporations should not be completely depen-
dent upon 100% equity participation by the governments only. The corpora-
tions should go for market borrowing so that credit flow for SC/STs is not
limited to the extent of budgetary support.
57
The Government should create SC/ST self-help groups/ urban & rural cooperative banks in every district for micro-financing and also for inculcating savings habit among the community
5) The Government should create SC/ST self-help groups/ urban & rural coopera-
tive banks in every district for micro-financing and also for inculcating savings
habit among the community. The Government should make a 100% matching
contribution in purchase of shares, in addition bear management costs for first
three years. The Union Government and the Reserve Bank of India should be
approached for obtaining required clearances and concessions. The endeavour
should specifically encourage SC/ST women to take the lead.
6) Credit facilities for the community are almost non-existent as it has no repre-
sentation in the decision-making bodies of lending agencies. Therefore, suit-
able provisions should be made to have SC/ST representation in the boards of
directors of banks and public financial institutions. The same can be imple-
mented with regard to most ‘private’ FIs as huge amounts of public money are
parked in them.
7) Similarly, there should be SC/ST representation in the Reserve Bank of India’s
board of governors and that of Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) as well as all state finance corporations (SFCs).
8) Why cannot the Government nominate – once in a while – an SC/ST chairman
or managing director to one of the boards of banks/ FIs?
9) In an era of Globalisation, there is a need to encourage and protect the small
investors. Who else can be more deserving and needy than the SC/STs who
are small investors without whose participation India’s stock markets can never
have the required depth. Therefore, the Government of India should take all
initiatives to bring the SC/STs into the stock market.
MNCs And International Organisations
The Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), especially the US-based companies, have
come to recognise the importance of their social responsibilities at home. For ex-
ample, most American corporate giants justifiably feel proud of their Diversity prac-
tices. Therefore, it would not be difficult for the Government to encourage them to
continue their praiseworthy policies in India also.
Diversity: The Way Our
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
How can the UN or the World Bank be progressive in New York or Washington and remain oblivious to its own policies/ ideals in India?
Similarly, the United Nations’ (UN) organs and its specialised agencies follow Di-
versity at their respective headquarters. None of their offices located in India follow
any policies that remotely favour the SC/STs. How can the UN or the World Bank
be progressive in New York or Washington and remain oblivious to its own policies/
ideals in India? The Government should impress upon these institutions to be caste
and gender sensitive, just as they are race and gender sensitive at their headquar-
ters.
A Word Of Caution
Diversity in the Private Sector is the most sensitive area. The government should
recognise the fact that the Diversity Initiative is totally new to India and utmost
care must be taken to ensure that this new initiative is not confused with Reserva-
tions. Under Reservations, the onus is on the State to ensure its implementation;
under Diversity, the onus falls on the society to ensure non-discrimination.
While we would have loved to celebrate a situation where the State comes out with
strict legislative mechanism to ensure Diversity in all arenas of private enterprise/
institutions, we understand the constraints that the Government may confront with.
Lest this wonderful doctrine of Diversity gets clouded in controversies and confu-
sions leading to a hostile response from the captains of private industry, the Task
Force proposes a smooth introduction of Diversity in the Private Sector. We, there-
fore, recommend that:
1) The State should undertake a rigorous exercise of opening a channel of com-
munication with organizations of private industry, and departments of SC/ST
welfare, SC/ST intelligentsia, and SC/ST welfare organizations.
2) A series of government-sponsored Round Table Meetings should be organized
between SC/ST representatives, government departments/ organizations and
private industry on the utility of Diversity in creating a good, harmonious social
order for India.
3) The best route to introduce Diversity in private sector could be, to begin with,
59
In the United States and else where, minorities and Afro- Americans are encouraged into armed forces as part of the nation- building process. Why not in India?
the Supplier Diversity, where leaders of private industry would morally find it
difficult to oppose as goods purchased from SC/ST suppliers will have similar
quality and pricing.
Missing Areas…
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes remain excluded from a majority
of sectors in the nation’s economy. They are totally absent in media, capital market
and, in general, the private sector. Their presence is negligible in areas of higher
learning — even in the government-run institutions.
For example, there is no valid reason for the Government not to implement reserva-
tions in the armed forces. Efficiency argument can no longer be sustained because
the Dalits had long ago proved their martial qualities in the (British) Mahar Regi-
ment. In the United States and else where, minorities and Afro-Americans are en-
couraged into armed forces as part of the nation-building process. Why not in In-
dia?
So far the Government has taken a very narrow approach towards the development
of the SC/STs. The approach has been to provide some education and jobs, how-
ever few, in the public sector. It is unlikely to solve the problem. Therefore…
1) The Government should consider how to help the Dalits to enter the hitherto
closed sectors to them. It is the strong belief of the Task Force that concerted
efforts and some fine-tuning will lead to opening up of newer opportunities to
the community.
2) It is recommended to initiate a comprehensive scheme to mould the educated
and unemployed Dalit youth to enter media and other service sectors, and the
private sector.
3) The State Government should use its good offices to impress upon the Gov-
ernment of India to implement this and other recommendations at national-
level.
4) The SC/STs’ exclusion from the mainstream cultural arena has been most
Diversity: The Way Our
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The SC/STs’ exclusion from the mainstream cultural arena has been most stark, most visible since times immemorial. Even today, any attempt by the members of the community to break this fortress is resisted
stark, most visible since times immemorial. Even today, any attempt by the
members of the community to break this fortress is resisted. The Govern-
ments, for instance, keep organizing cultural/ literary events. The Department
of Culture, while organizing dance/musical events, must ensure that there are
Dalit music/ dance groups participating. The Government must make every
effort to encourage SC/ST artists and their art.
61
By the year 2005, no SC/ST school-going age child will be out of School. By 2010, over 80% SC/ST children in the relevant age group will appear in High School Board Exams. The community will be encouraged and assisted forthwith to invest in economically rewarding subjects in higher education.
The Bright Lamp of Education
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
63
The educational interests of the SC/STs are being sacrificed at the altar of the so-
called merit. Their children are denied admission into better managed schools and
colleges. What is regrettably forgotten is the fact that even the public/ private schools
too have social responsibilities.
Merit is important and it ought to be taken note of but the comparison cannot
be between unequals. The Supreme Court has held that reservations are not anti-
meritorian. How can one equate the socially and economically disadvantaged sec-
tions with the rich and elite sections? Let there be different criteria for different
groups.
1) A rational system should be devised to determine merit whereby students from
a particular socio-economic background, such as rural-based or SC/ST stu-
dents, are allowed to compete among themselves in entrance/ competitive
examinations, etc.
2) The Centre and states must enact laws making it mandatory for all educational
institutions to admit SC/ST students.
3) There ought to be mandatory set-asides in the education budgets in the states
for SC/ST education. Defaulting states should be punished on the lines pre- scribed in the 73rd and 74th amendments.
Zero Drop-Outs
The biggest challenge in SC/STs’ education is that of Drop Outs, which in
several states can be as high as 80% at high school-level. While several factors
can be listed for this unfortunate phenomenon, the problem of acute poverty can
The Bright Lamp of Education
What is regrettably forgotten is the fact that even the public/ private schools too have social responsibilities
64
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
be held as the most decisive factor. This has been established by various studies.
The same can be substantiated by several other indicators.
For stance, major landmark stages of Drop-Outs are first at Class VI after
passing out of the Primary Stage [I-V], second at IX after passing out VIII, and the
third at XI after passing out of High School. But, the highest rate of Drop Out occurs
while entering class IX.
There is a very peculiar correlation between the age of an SC/ST child at
class VIII, the academic sessions and India’s cropping pattern. At stage VIII, a
child is 14 years old, an age when he can be hired as a child labourer.
In most areas of the countryside, schools open in July, the mid- monsoon
season when paddy is planted. The SC/ST landless agricultural labourers get work
either during the peak of sowing season, or at the peak of the cropping season.
The academic calendar of Indian schools has three landmark stages: enrol-
ment in mid-July, home examinations in mid-December, and final examinations in
April-March, and incidentally, all the three stages coincide with India’s main sow-
ing/ cropping seasons, and these are the times when a landless family pulls all its
labour force to earn grain for the whole year. This phenomenon pulls SC/ST children
away from the school system, never to return again. Several experimentations
have been carried out, including mid-day meals, but without any major success.
Therefore, the Task Force recommends that:
1) Pay compensation to each BPL/ landless SC/ST family for sparing their chil-
dren to attend schools. The rate per-child, per day can be as little as Rs. 2/
during non-cropping/ non-sowing months, and as high as Rs. 4/ during crop-
ping/sowing months. While making this recommendation, we are not totally
unaware of the state’s finances, and hence, would like to append that the Cen-
tral Government can be approached for funds. Unless something of this scale
is adopted, the problem of Drop-Outs will continue to block the expansion of
education amongst SC/ST communities.
Pay compensation to each BPL/ landless SC/ ST family for sparing their children to attend schools
65
At every stage of education, the girl children should be awarded extra- benefits, and BPL/ landless parents should be awarded an extra amount of compensation, if they send their daughters to school
Enrolment
One of the biggest challenges in SC/ST education is that, though now about
80 to 90 per cent students from the community have access to elementary level
schooling facility, and majority of them do get enrolled, the rest 10 to 20 percent,
despite availability of schooling facility fail to enrol.
Recognising the gravity of the problem, where even in the 21st Century,
about 20 per cent children miss enrolment despite access to the school system,
the Task Force recommends the following:
1) Each Panchayat head be made accountable to ensure that each child in the
school-going age, gets enrolled. The Panchayats doing well in this regard may
suitably be rewarded.
Education of Girl Child
Given the existing gender bias in the society, SC/ST parents too tend to
ignore the education of their daughters, which ultimately adds to the backwardness
of the community, the Task Force recommends the following:
1) At every stage of education, the girl children should be awarded extra-benefits,
and BPL/ landless parents should be awarded an extra amount of compensa-
tion, if they send their daughters to school.
Quality Education
There are about 9.58 lakh SC/ST students enrolled for undergraduate courses
(BA/ B.Com/ B.Sc./ B.Ed./ MBBS/ Engineering) in India, in which, 51.25 percent
are Social Sciences/ Humanities. Not many from this background can find any
honourable space in the market economy. Even if the private sector starts hiring
qualified Dalits, the vast majority of educated Dalit youth will be left out. Realising
the requirements of the new emerging market economy, where skilled workforce
will be in high demand, we recommend the following:
1) From a very early stage, SC/ST students should be encouraged to focus more
The Bright Lamp of Education
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The State Government should institute 15-20 overseas fellowships for SC/ST students to pursue higher studies abroad
on Science, Maths and English subjects.
2) In each SC/ST hostel, special coaching arrangements be made in order to add
an extra input.
3) The Government should also extend freeship/ scholarship facilities to those
SC/ST students who seek admission in better quality private schools.
4) Private/ Public Schools be persuaded to adopt the policy of admitting SC/ST
students.
Higher Education
Recognising that a mere plus-2 level education does not empower an SC/ST
youth to find space in the market economy, we recommend the following:
1) More SC/ST students should be encouraged to undertake M.Phil/ Ph.D level
studies by providing UGC fellowships to each and every SC/ST student under-
taking these courses, so that they can fill up the college/ university level lec-
tureship positions.
2) The State Government should institute 15-20 overseas fellowships for SC/ST
students to pursue higher studies abroad. Active involvement of international
foundations and charitable bodies may be enlisted so that the financial burden
on the Government may be lessened.
3) Residential schools with adequate infrastructure such as hostels, teaching-
learning material should be set-up at district and block levels for SC/STs.
4) Rates of Post-Matric Scholarship should be raised to realistic levels at which
the student can meet the minimum requirements. The limit of annual family
income for the eligibility of receiving scholarship should also be raised to Rs.
2,00,000/- from the existing Rs. 65,000/. And also link the income limit with the
Consumer Price Index.
5) With the advent of Privatisation, even the government educational institutions
are charging hefty fees from the SC/ST students. No fees should be charged
67
There is a need to prepare the SC/ST youth to enter the market economy
from the SC/ST students by the government institutions and if they do in un-
avoidable circumstances, the Government should have a provision in the bud-
get that the SC/ST welfare department would pay the fees of the SC/ST stu-
dents.
6) If the Central Government does not raise income limit and rates of mainte-
nance allowances, the State Government should raise the same and finance
the expenditure from its own resources.
Professional Education
The importance of technical education and training in various crafts cannot
be underestimated. And as the private sector one day will start practising Work
Force Diversity, there is a need to prepare the SC/ST youth to enter the market
economy. Therefore, the following measures may be considered:
1) More certificate/ diploma level training programmes be opened for SC/ST stu-
dents.
2) That the Supplier Diversity has become a reality, a new type of Business /
Management schools awarding certificate/ diplomas be set up for SC/ST stu-
dents who after high school/ plus-2-levels can be imparted with Business/
Management skills.
3) The NGO sector has emerged as a new discipline all over the globe and has
entered India in a big way. But SC/STs are more often out of it. The government
should set up institutions where SC/ST youth with degree-level education can
learn about this new discipline, and enter the sector.
4) Following initiatives are necessary for capacity building among SC/ST youth:
a) Vocationalisation at school level should be strengthened.
b) Industrial Training Institutes and Polytechnics should be modernised and
should have industry linkages to assess the changing requirements of the
industry and design their curricula accordingly. All the reserved seats in
Engineering, Medical Colleges, Management Courses should be filled.
The Bright Lamp of Education
68
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Considering the psychological disadvantage that the SC/ST students suffer due to the absence of SC/ST teachers in many schools and colleges, we recommend that more and more SC/ST teachers at all levels of education be recruited
More SC/ST Teachers
Considering the psychological disadvantage that the SC/ST students suffer due to
the absence of SC/ST teachers in many schools and colleges, we recommend that
more and more SC/ST teachers at all levels of education be recruited. Introduce
skill-upgrading training programmes for SC/ST teachers.
69
Representation in the government employment, however limited in scope, remains to be the only source of upward mobility for the educated SC/STs. But the way is blocked because of bureaucratic apathy and the shrinking public sector. It is not beyond the competence of the Government to fill all the reserved jobs in all categories and in all departments.
Employment and Representation
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
71
The Task Force regrets the fact that even though highly skilled, specialised, edu-
cated SC/ST human resource is available, reservation quotas in the government
jobs have not been filled in Madhya Pradesh and in the rest of the country.
1) Therefore, it is recommended that a special drive be undertaken to fill the
backlog quota, especially in the educational institutions and universities. A
continuous review on the filling up of backlog posts should be put in place.
2) The state should strengthen the existing mechanism to safeguard the genuine
interests of the SC/ST employees who confront myriad forms of discrimination
in promotions, transfers, etc.
3) The state should send a strong recommendation to the Central Government on
the implementation of reservations for SC/STs at all levels of judiciary and that
they should ensure representation of these sections in higher judiciary through
quota.
4) Despite the proven valour and martial qualities of Dalits in the East India Com-
pany and British Indian Armies, the SCs and STs have been kept out of the
defence forces and were denied a guaranteed quota. The State Government
should recommend to the Government of India to introduce reservations for
SCs and STs at all levels in Defence Forces so that these communities will
perform their duties as defenders of the unity and integrity of the country.
5) General Administration Department of the State Government should prepare a
status paper on reservations and results thereof during the past 25 years and
place it before the State Assembly. While preparing the status paper various
measures taken to fill the backlog posts should also be reviewed.
Employment and Representation
A continuous review on the filling up of backlog posts should be put in place
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The SC/STs should be protected from the downsizing exercise by Central and State Governments
6) The Centre and other states should pass a special legislation on the lines of
the Madhya Pradesh Reservation Act (Act 21 of 1994, the Madhya Pradesh
Lok Seva (Anusuchit Jatiyon, Anusuchit Jan Jatiyon Aur Anya Pichhade Vargon
Ke Liye Arakshan) Adiniyam, 1994 as amended in 2002) and earnestly imple-
ment the same.
7) The SC/STs should be protected from the downsizing exercise by Central and
State Governments due to the stipulations of the World Bank, IMF, etc., since
they are the major losers as the employment opportunities shrink in the post-
liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation scenario.
73
Dalit rights are Human Rights. It is the responsibility of both the State and the society to see that the SC/STs, like rest of the population, lead their lives with dignity and without fear. Dalit Human Rights will remain a dream as long as their material conditions are not improved.
Dalit Rights are Human Rights
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
75
Atrocities
1) Recognize Dalits’ Rights as Human Rights. Effectively implement in spirit and
action the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and rules and hand over the
responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the Act to the state/ national
SC/ST commissions. The conviction rate should be improved and speedy pros-
ecution of offenders should be done. In the cases of non-conviction by the trial
court of atrocities, the state may file appeal to the High Court. Deterrent action
u/s 4 of the Act must be taken.
2) Impose collective fine for social boycott on the SC/STs and for the practice of
untouchability.
3) Afford full protection to all Dalits participating in the Panchayat Raj Institutions
and other democratic institutions in the country.
4) Appoint special courts and special prosecutors to speedily try the cases under
the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In the cases falling under the Act, the
state should file civil suits on behalf of the victims for compensation against
the accused persons.
5) Regarding the atrocities emanating from the land, it should be mandatory for
the state/ police to register cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities)
Act as well as other revenue laws.
6) The Government should review the cases of atrocities in which the prosecution
failed and determine the reasons. If the failure is due to technicalities or legal
loopholes the same may be rectified. If the failure is due to the laxity of inves-
tigating officer, suitable punishment should be awarded to him.
Dalit Rights are Human Rights
Regarding the atrocities emanating from the land, it should be mandatory for the state/ police to register cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as well as other revenue laws
76
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
7) The best and eminent lawyers should be engaged in the cases of atrocities.
There should be a quarterly review of lawyers’ performance in these cases.
8) Undertake mass-scale public awareness campaign and educational initiatives,
with the active support of NGOs and other segments of civil society, in order to
promote positive changes in attitudes towards and within communities dis-
criminated against on the basis of work and descent-based discrimination, for
which the necessary budget allocation should be earmarked.
9) Authorities should ensure free and fair entry of all persons in all religious places.
10) The primary health centres, information centres, government schools must be
named after Babasaheb Ambedkar and Birsa Munda. They can be started in
remote areas by providing 2-3 beds and necessary medicines so that they can
cater to the needs of the community.
11) The State Government should ensure that the annual report of the State SC/
ST Commission is tabled without delay before the Legislative Assembly. The
annual report should contain a memorandum of action taken on the advice
tendered by the Commission and the reasons for the non-acceptance, if any, of
any such advice, and the audit report, The annual report and action taken
reports, after debate in the Assembly, be made public through print and elec-
tronic media within 6 months of the debate and also appropriate action taken
on these reports within the same time-frame.
The Bonded Labour System
1) The bonded labour system is also a crime under the provisions of the SC/ST
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act if the bonded labourers are SC/STs, and there-
fore cases against the employers of such bonded labour should be registered
under the Act. The state must call for a meeting of all the NGOs in the areas
that have been identified as bonded labour-sensitive areas and take their as-
sistance to identify and rehabilitate the bonded labourers. Since the Govern-
ment does not have latest/ authentic information on this savage system, an
outside agency like the Babasaheb Ambedkar Institute of Social Sciences,
The best and eminent lawyers should be engaged in the cases of atrocities. There should be a quarterly review of lawyers’ performance in these cases
77
All bonded labourers should be distributed with surplus grazing and cultivable land along with financial aid to improve the land
Mhow should be entrusted with the responsibility of conducting surveys to
measure the problem at hand.
2) All bonded labourers – who are also landless agricultural labourers — should
be distributed with surplus grazing and cultivable land along with financial aid
to improve the land.
3) The strict implementation of the Minimum Wage Act may be done in order to
discourage bonded labour system. An amendment to section 20 of the Act
may be proposed for disposal within 3 months of cases related to non-pay-
ment/ less-payment of wages. Another amendment to the same act may be
proposed for payment of wages of more than one month through bank cheque
provided labour continue to work for one month or more.
4) Traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are
prohibited as per the provisions of Article 23 of the Constitution of India. For
implementation of this provision, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act,
1976 was enacted. An amendment to the Act may be proposed for submission
of written information to concerned gram panchayat / local body/ labour office/
SDM for employment of the outside labourer by any employer. An amendment
to section-18 of the Act may be proposed for increase of fine from Rs. 2,000/-
to Rs. 20,000/- and payment to the bonded labourer may be made as per the
rates decided by the State Government instead of Rs. 5/- per day. This amend-
ment is necessary because the fine of Rs. 2,000/- and payment to bonded
labourer at the rate of Rs 5/- per day have not been revised since the enact-
ment of this Act. Another amendment (to section-26 of the Act) is essential for
vesting of powers in the State Governments also to make rules. Otherwise the
Government of India may expand the scope of rules in order to accommodate
the proposals of the State Governments.
5) The offenders under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 should
be punished under Section 4 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act if the
offences fall under the purview of this Act.
Dalit Rights are Human Rights
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The National Commission for Safai Karmacharis (NCSK) must induct at least one representative from the manual scavenging community as a full- time member
The Scourge Of Manual Scavenging
1) The manual scavenging system must be stopped immediately by converting
all dry latrines into pour-flush latrines and rehabilitate all manual scavengers in
dignified professions by imparting them proper vocational training. It should be
the responsibility of the Government to provide alternate professions to manual
scavengers and support them and their families financially until they settle in
the new professions.
2) The State Government should recommend to the Centre to introduce much
needed amendments to the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construc-
tion of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.
3) The National Commission for Safai Karmacharis (NCSK) must induct at least
one representative from the manual scavenging community as a full-time mem-
ber.
4) Private dry latrines cleaning system too has to be prevented.
5) The practice of manually cleaning human excreta in railways should be stopped
immediately.
Miscellaneous
1) Eminent Lawyers may be appointed to the lawyers’ panel so that proper legal
advice may be made available to SC/STs and women.
2) The police should leave the matter whether the crime committed is a crime or
not to the court and not judge themselves. They should strictly follow the es-
tablished procedure on every complaint and conduct investigation according to
the law.
3) Each AJK (SC/ST) Police Station should have a vehicle for mobility in the
area.
4) Post of SP, AJK may be sanctioned in each Police Range so that supervision
of inquiries into atrocities on SC/STs may be done effectively.
79
Because of the paucity of DSP-rank officers for investigating into the cases of atrocities, inspector-level officers should be given one- step higher pay scale of DSP to fill the gap in the availability of DSP- level officers
5) Minimum two years tenure may be fixed for the officers who have been posted
in AJK.
6) Because of the paucity of DSP-rank officers for investigating into the cases of
atrocities, inspector-level officers should be given one-step higher pay scale of
DSP to fill the gap in the availability of DSP-level officers.
7) Mahila Police Stations may be sanctioned and established in balance districts
in Madhya Pradesh so that speedy investigation and presentation of cases in
courts may be facilitated.
Dalit Rights are Human Rights
The Government’s approach towards SC/ST welfare is a story of inadequate fund-allocations, non-spending of whatever little allocated and diversion of funds which harm their interests. Instead, the Government’s financial commitment for the development of the community should match the magnitude of the problem. The Budget
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83
1) It should be mandatory by law for both the Centre and states that they set-
aside a minimum of funds proportionate to the population of SC/STs for their
development.
2) The central ministries should issue general guidelines and list-out eligible
schemes leaving the details to the State Governments for their implementa-
tion. The idea of ‘Block Grants’ and ‘United Funds’ should be given serious
consideration in which funds should be allotted to the states based on their SC/
ST population.
3) The welfare department should be given full autonomy in the selection of
schemes, dove-tailing of funds with schemes of other departments, allocation
of funds, revision of schemes keeping in view the changing trends/ require-
ments/ demands and diversion of funds from one scheme to the other within
the overall budgetary set-aside. The Allocation of Business Rules should be
amended accordingly. Such autonomy to welfare department will bear fruit and
will make a difference to the condition of the SC/STs.
The Budget
It should be mandatory by law for both the Centre and states that they set-aside a minimum of funds proportionate to the population of SC/STs for their development.
The Revolution in the fields of Information Technology and computers is almost passing the SC/ STs by. There is a need to narrow the Digital Divide so as to bring the fruits of scientific advancement to the poorest of the poor. Encourage the community to take part in the IT revolution and use IT for the betterment of their lives. The Information Society
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87
The arrival of the information age is fast creating a digital divide of the technology
access between the haves and have-nots. The Government should step in to bridge
this divide and ensure that the vulnerable sections of the society such as the SC/
STs are not left out. They also should have the right to information regarding their
welfare.
1) The Government should introduce full and part-time diploma courses in IT and
computers for the SC/STs at district-level.
2) Where appropriate, the SC/ST students should be financially helped to enroll in
the private computer/ IT institutes.
3) Access to information and transparency are crucial for any programmes to
succeed. Compilation of data-bases on the community and their dissemination
can be accomplished with the help of IT.
4) STD booths have given employment to thousands of unemployed youth.
Awarding of IT kiosks can be a source of revenue for unemployed SC/ST
youth.
The Information Society
The Government should step in to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the vulnerable sections of the society such as the SC/STs are not left out
What started on January 12-13, 2002 in Bhopal is nothing short of a revolution. It is the best example of a people-oriented and responsive administration. With the submission of this report and its acceptance (hopefully) by the government, the second phase of that revolution is about to begin. Much of its success or failure will depend on how the policies emanating from the Bhopal Conference are institutionalised in formal legislation, in creating needed institutions and by allocating resources sufficient to make the revolution vibrant and permanent.
Institutionalising the Gains
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91
1) Include in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution all acts, rules, regulations,
etc., which are designed to safeguard the interests of the SC/STs so that
lengthy litigation could not be resorted to to deny them of their rights.
2) The Planning Commission and the planning boards in the states should have a
Vice-Chairman and one member each from these sections to safeguard their
interests.
3) SC/ST welfare department should be entrusted with the responsibility to take
all policy decisions regarding the administration of development programmes
including budgeting of funds, making and release of allocations for development
schemes; and powers to review, monitor and supervise the implementation of
all the programmes for SC/STs.
4) Give more teeth to the SC and ST Commission whose advice is final and
binding in all cases which are brought to its notice. The Commission should be
given powers to award punishment in case of non-compliance, including the
issuance of summons and non-bailable warrants.
5) The officers implementing schemes for the benefit of SC/STs should be
sensitized about the problems of the community through training.
6) The Presidential Order, 1950 on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes be amended
to include migrant SC/STs as a separate group in the list. All concessions
extended to these groups by the individual states/ UTs shall be on first
preference to the castes/ tribes as per the Presidential Order, 1950. The migrant
SC/STs shall have a second preference only after the first preference claims
have been attended to.
Institutionalising the Gains
Give more teeth to the SC and ST Commission whose advice is final and binding in all cases which are brought to its notice
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
7) It is also recommended that the revolution of social justice and empowerment
initiated at the ‘Bhopal Conference’ should be a continuing process. The
submission of the Task Force Report and its acceptance by the Government
are just part of that revolution. More deserves to be done to make it a dynamic
example of people-government interface for development. Towards this end, a
Permanent Monitoring Body may be set-up, constituting senior officials and a
few members of the Task Force.
A Permanent Monitoring Body may be set-up, constituting senior officials and a few members of the Task Force
93
Members of the Task Force
A P P E N D I X
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95
Members of the Task Force
MINISTERS/ OFFICIAL MEMBERS
Ms Vijaya Lakshmi Sahdo Minister, Scheduled Caste Welfare
Mrs Urmila Singh Minister, Scheduled Tribe Welfare
Col. Ajay Narayan Mushran Minister, Finance
Shri Ghanshyam Patidar Minister of State, General Administration
Shri A.V.Singh, IAS Chief Secretary
Shri Rakesh Sahni, IAS Secretary, Welfare, Member Secretary
Shri Sudeep Banerjee, IAS Principal Secretary, Finance
Shri Ranbir Singh, IAS Principal Secretary, General Administration
Dr. Amar Singh, IAS Secretary to the Chief Minister
Shri Sewa Ram, IAS Commissioner, Scheduled Tribe Welfare
Shri M.K.Singh, IAS Director, Scheduled Caste Development
EXPERT MEMBERS
Shri Chandra Bhan Prasad Consulting Editor, The Pioneer, New Delhi
Shri Raja Sekhar Vundru, IAS Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment New Delhi
Shri D.Shyam Babu Fellow, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies New Delhi
CHAIRMAN
Shri Digvijay Singh Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Prof. Mrinal Miri Vice-Chancellor, NEHU, Shillong
Prof. Ram Dayal Munda Former Vice-Chancellor, Ranchi University Ranchi
Prof. Virginius Xa Xa Department of Sociology Delhi School of Economics Delhi
Ms.Teesta Setalvad Editor, Communalism Combat Mumbai
SPECIAL INVITEES
Prof. Balachandra Mungekar Vice-Chancellor, Mumbai University Mumbai
Prof. G.Nanchariah Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ambedkar Central University Lucknow
Prof. K.S.Chalam Director, Academic Staff College Visakhapatnam
Prof. S.K.Thorat School of Social Sciences Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
Prof. Tulsi Ram School of International Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
Prof. Kancha Iliah Osmania University Hyderabad
Dr. Gail Omvedt Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library New Delhi
Prof. Tiplut Nongbri School of Social Sciences Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
Shri Martin Macwan Navsarjan Trust Ahmedabad
Shri Paul Divakar Dalit Human Rights Campaign Secunderabad
97
Members of the Task Force
Shri M.Lakshmiah Fellow, Centre for Dalit Studies Hyderabad
Ms. Meenakshi Nath Social Activist New Delhi
Dr. K.S.Chauhan Advocate, Supreme Court New Delhi
SPECIAL INVITEES TO SUB-COMMITTEES
Ms. Ruth Manorama Dalit Women Initiative Bangalore
Shri Velappan Karuppan, IAS (Retd.) Panchama Land Chennai
Shri R.K.Nayak, IAS (Retd.) Kharavel Nagar Bhubaneshwar
Shri Narendra Kumar, IAS Excise Commissioner Delhi
Shri Rajeshwar Rangari IT Officer, Bank of Baroda Ahmedabad
Dr. Yashadatta S. Alone Department of Fine Arts Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra
Dr. A.L.Kanedi Ambedkar Central University Lucknow
Shri M.M.Upadhyay, IAS Commissioner, Jabalpur
Mrs Neelam Rao, IAS Collector, Guna
Shri Rajesh Rajora, IAS Collector, Balaghat
Shri M. A. Khan, IAS Commissioner, Urban Development
Shri K. Suresh, IAS Commissioner, Industries
COORDINATORS OF SUB COMMITTEES
Land and Common Property Resources Shri S.S.Wankhade, IAS Secretary, Revenue
Shri Satya Prakash, IAS Commissioner, Bhopal
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Tribal Affairs Dr. Balwan Singh Additional Commissioner Tribal Development
Civil and Human Rights Shri S.S.Uppal, IAS Secretary, Home
Diversity Shri Sewa Ram, IAS Commissioner, Scheduled Tribes Welfare
Employment and Representation Dr. Parasuram, IAS Secretary, Human Resource Development
Education Shri D.P.Dube, IAS Commissioner, Education
Address to the Nation by the President of India Shri K.R. Narayanan on the eve of Republic Day, 25 January 2002
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3
“A democratic form of Government presupposes a democratic form of society. The formal framework of democracy is of no value and would indeed be a misfit if there was no social democracy”. Dr. Ambedkar
The Bhopal Declaration Adopted Unanimously By
The Bhopal Conference: Charting A New Course For Dalits For The 21st
Century, held at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, 12-13 January 2002
We -- intellectuals and activists assembled at the Bhopal Conference, 12-13
January 2002 -- to deliberate the issues concerning the welfare of and justice to the
250 million Dalits (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes), and
Declaring our belief in Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s ideal of Social
Democracy and his prophecy that, “A democratic form of Government presupposes
a democratic form of society. The formal framework of democracy is of no value
and would indeed be a misfit if there was no social democracy”,
Endorsing the ideals of civil society enshrined in the Constitution of India,
particularly its Preamble that declares the Indian State’s commitment to Justice,
Liberty, Equality and Fraternity,
Recognising that the tenets established by the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights and various other charters of the United Nations which our nation
has acceded to also emphasise the same principles,
Recognising also the tribals’ legitimate and historical rights over forest and
forest-produce,
Acknowledging the role of tribal communities, particularly tribal women, to
the protection and conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources
as well as its culture and civilisation
Acknowledging also the need to ensure that SCs and STs are given due
representation in all bodies of decision making,
The Bhopal Declaration
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The social consensus over the Dalit cause - reluctantly agreed upon at the time of Independence - has by and large broken down.
Recalling the struggles that Babasaheb had waged for the emancipation of
his people and the historic rights he had won for them,
Mindful of the fact that even after 54 years of Independence, the Dalit
community is denied of its basic human rights and is also at the receiving end of
the most brutal and oppressive forms of discrimination and exclusion,
Reaffirming that concerted action by society as a whole - especially
coordination among the political leadership, officials and grassroots activists - is
necessary for the over-all development of the most oppressed of India,
Bearing in mind the responsibility to take forward our struggle at this critical
juncture in spite of the fact that most political formations are reluctant to pursue
any policy favourable to the Dalits,
Recognising that the social consensus over the Dalit cause - reluctantly
agreed upon at the time of Independence - has by and large broken down,
Convinced that informed and democratic discourse at all levels is essential
to re-negotiate a new consensus over redeeming the pledges of the founding fathers
of the Republic to do justice to Dalits,
Convinced also that the national psyche and public discourse in the country
accepts uncritically the rigid hierarchy and discrimination caused by caste and
thereby denies that caste is a major source of prejudice and brutal violence,
Emphasizing that Babasaheb’s stress on struggle through democratic and
constitutional means is relevant today,
Regretting that the post-Ambedkar Dalit intelligentsia has failed both in
carrying forward his emancipatory movement as well as making a dent in the country’s
intellectual life,
Recognizing the need for Dalits to make common cause with other liberation
and human rights movements in and outside the country,
Conscious of the hurdles that caste-Hindu society - and its tentacles in
government, media, voluntary sector, etc., - is likely to hurl at any serious movement
that challenges the entrenched system of discrimination and exclusion,
5
If the need be, the Government should purchase cultivate land and distribute it among Dalits.
Noting that women - especially Dalit women - represent the most oppressed
sections of our society, and that they face multiple forms of discrimination, including
caste-based, religious and patriarchal ideology and practices,
Welcoming the winds of change the world over that are conducive to
Inclusion, Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Democratisation and Civil Society, and
against discrimination, stereotype, stigma, exclusion and caste society,
Hoping that this country will no longer remain an exception to the global
norm of Progress, Equality, Justice, Peace and Social Harmony, and
We hereby Solemnly proclaim that while we rededicate ourselves to work
in unison to achieve basic rights of Dalits, we are convinced that unless the following
issues are resolved no amount of activism on our part and pro-active measures
from the State can liberate the community from the scourges of untouchability and
exploitation.
We therefore demand..
21-POINT ACTION AGENDA FOR THE 21st CENTURY
1. Ensure that each Dalit family will own enough cultivable land for socio-
economic well-being. The government should pursue all possible measures including
the distribution of surplus land, government revenue lands and temple lands within
a specific timeframe. If the need be, the government should purchase cultivate
land and distribute it among Dalits.
2. Enact legislation and enforce it stringently to enable Dalits have an
equitable share in the appropriation and use of the rural and urban common property
resources. The law must be amended to ensure that lengthy litigation with the
ulterior motive of denying Dalits of legal redressal, is not resorted to.
3. Enact legislation and enforce the right of Dalit agricultural labourers to
living wages, to gender parity in wages, to job security, to better working conditions
and welfare measures, and ensure punitive measures against offenders.
4. Appoint Statutory Committees at the national and state level to identify
The Bhopal Declaration
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Ensure the restoration of alienated lands to the tribals, restore their rights over forest and forest-produce
within specified time-frame all the Depressed Class lands occupied by non-Dalits,
to assess the quantum of compensation to be paid by non-Dalits for their illegal
utilization of lands, to identify the original owners and their nearest kith and kin for
restoring these lands back to them, to expedite legal proceedings in courts specially
appointed for this purpose against the illegal occupants and to ensure punitive
measures against them.
5. Ensure the restoration of the alienated lands to the tribals, restore their
rights over forest and forest-produce, provide them with compensation and
rehabilitation measures, extend resources and capacity building measures for gainful
utilization of their lands and forests and make those Dalits displaced due to
construction of dams/developmental projects as shareholders of such enterprises.
6. Democratise the capital so as to ensure proportionate share for SCs and
STs. Make budgetary allocation for SCs and STs to enable them enter the market
economy with adequate investment resources, and develop their capacities and
skills for such market enterprises.
7. Enforce with stringent measures the Bonded Labour System (Abolition)
Act, 1976 and abolish forthwith child labour to ensure freedom with dignity for all
the Dalits, and accordingly make suitable amendments in the appropriate legislations.
8. Amend Art. 21 of the Constitution of India: Fundamental Rights so as to
include the following rights for all citizens, but with special emphasis for SCs and
STs, and on the basis of two criteria, namely low economic income and without
religious discrimination: the rights to a standard of living adequate for the health
and well-being of women and men equally, including food, safe drinking water,
clothing, housing, public health and medical care, social security and social services;
the right to living wage and the right to own 5 acres of cultivable land or to gainful
employment.
9. Implement compulsory, free and high quality education for all Dalits
immediately, make allocation of funds proportionate to the number and level of the
illiterates, ensure compensation to those families which forfeit their income from
7
Ensure diversity or SC/ STs’ due representation in all public institutions of the country
child-labour, increase the number and amount of scholarships, and provide better
infrastructural facilities in SC and ST schools and offer market-oriented vocational
and technical education.
10. Make the reservation quota applicable in all the public and private
educational institutions from primary to technical and professional levels. Every
SC/ST child with low income-base must be given quality free-education at State’s
expense. And every English medium school must implement Diversity in Admissions.
11. Recognize SC and ST women as a distinct category among women, and
accordingly make segregated data on Dalit women available in census reports,
action taken reports and progress reports, evolve national and state level perspective
plan for mainstreaming SC and ST women in developmental programmes, market
enterprises, financial allocation, reservation facilities in education, employment and
health facilities, and mandate the National and State Commissions for SC and ST
and for Women to study and report specifically the status of SC and ST women in
their annual reports.
12. Implement effectively in letter and spirit the SC and ST (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act, 1989 & Rules1995, especially with regard to atrocities against Dalit
women, and accordingly prosecute the dominant caste leaders and their minions
who stoke the fire of caste clashes and the police officials acting in connivance
with them. In cases of atrocities against SC/STs, a system of collective punishment
has to be evolved as oppressors enjoy community support and protection and
escape the law.
13. Ensure diversity or SC/STs’ due representation in all public institutions
of India, whether universities or academic or autonomous or registered bodies.
Those institutions, which do not abide by the principle of Affirmative Action, must
lose recognition and state funding. All private industry/ corporate houses must
accept and implement Diversity in workforce immediately.
14. Ensure that in all state and national budgets allocations are made as per
the proportion of SC and ST population and penal action taken against unutilisation
The Bhopal Declaration
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The State must assume sole responsibility in protecting the SCs and STs. The State must also identify those atrocity-prone areas and deploy forces
or diversion of funds meant for these sections.
15. Every government and private organization must implement Supplier
Diversity from socially disadvantaged businesses and Dealership Diversity in all
goods and services.
16. The State must assume sole responsibility in protecting the SCs and
STs. The State must identify those atrocity prone areas and deploy forces. In addition,
provide arms licences to the SCs & STs as stipulated in the Atrocities Act for self-
defence purposes, make the setting up of Dalit self-defence groups from village
onwards mandatory, and specially train Dalit women to handle weapons in self-
defence against the perpetrators of crimes and atrocities.
17.Eliminate the humiliating practice of manual scavenging on an urgent
footing through effective rehabilitation, alternative and sustainable employment
measures and developmental programmes, and prosecute violators of the
Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition)
Act, 1993, especially the gross violators Railways, Defence and Urban Local bodies.
18. Make it statutory for Parliament and State Assemblies to debate on the
Annual Reports of the National and State level Commissions for SC/ST and Safai
Karamcharis within the following year, and ensure that these annual reports and the
action-taken reports of the government are made public.
19. Make reservation mandatory in the private and corporate sector in the
same proportion as in the public sector and government institutions and develop
the capacities and skills of Dalits to help them cope up with the demands of these
different sectors.
20. Implement policy of reservation to SCs and STs at all levels of judiciary
and defence forces. And make transparent appointment processes in Judiciary by
doing away with the nomination system.
21. Bring out a Truth Paper in two years on the status of reservation during
the past 25 years and place it before Parliament and State Assemblies for debate,
and on a war footing fill immediately all the backlog posts meant for Dalits and that,
too, only with Dalit candidates.
9
Introduction
Though the Bhopal Conference was held under the auspices of the Madhya Pradesh Government, it has caught the imagination of the Dalits everywhere. Distinguished Dalit scholars and economists were happy to be members of the Task Force which prepared this Report
10
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
11
The Bhopal Conference, held on January 12-13, 2002, is a sterling example of the
government-people interface to chart out a new course for the socio-economic
development of the Dalits. Though the conference was held under the auspices of
the Madhya Pradesh Government, it has caught the imagination of the Dalits
everywhere.
The Bhopal Conference and the Bhopal Declaration generated intense debate
in the country and the Honourable President of India in his Republic Day Address,
2002 acknowledged it and endorsed the initiative.
Shri. Digvijay Singh, the Honourable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh,
became the first recipient of the, now historic, Bhopal Declaration. Immediately
after receiving the Declaration, in the closing ceremony of the Conference on January
13, the Chief Minister made two significant announcements:
l The Government of Madhya Pradesh would introduce Supplier Diversity
from the ensuing financial year 2002-2003 where 30% of government
purchases would be made from SC and ST traders and businessmen.
He announced that, to start with, the Supplier Diversity would be
implemented in the Department of SC and ST Welfare.
l A Task Force on the Bhopal Declaration would be set up, under the
Chairmanship of the Chief Minister himself, to make recommendations
to the Government on the implementation of the 21-Point Agenda of
the Bhopal Declaration.
Introduction
Though the conference was held under the auspices of the Madhya Pradesh Government, it has caught the imagination of the Dalits everywhere
12
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Subsequently, the Madhya Pradesh government formed a 20-member Task
Force on Bhopal Declaration by a notification on February 22, 2002.
1. Chief Minister Chairman
2. Minister for Scheduled Castes Member
3. Minister for Scheduled Tribes Member
4. Minister for Finance Member
5. Minister of State, GAD Member
6. Chief Secretary Member
7. Principal Secretary, SC& ST Welfare Member -Secretary
8. Principal Secretary, Finance Member
9. Principal Secretary,GAD Member
10. Secretary to CM (Dr. Amar Singh) Member
11. Commissioner,ST Welfare Member
12. Director,SC Development Member
13. Shri Chandra Bhan Prasad Expert Member
14. Shri Raja Sekhar Vundru Expert Member
15. Shri D.Shyam Babu Expert Member
16. Prof. Mrinal Miri Expert Member
17. Prof. Ram Dayal Munda Expert Member
18. Prof. Virginius Xa Xa Expert Member
19. Ms.Teesta Setalvad Expert Member
13
Introduction
Special Invitee Experts
1. Prof. B.M.Mungekar
2. Prof. G.Nanchariah
3. Prof. K.S.Chalam
4. Prof. S.K.Thorat
5. Prof. Kancha Iliah
6. Dr.Gail Omvedt
7. Prof. Tiplut Nongbri
8. Dr. K.S.Chauhan
9. Shri Martin Macwan
10. Shri Paul Divakar
11. Ms. Meenakshi Nath
12. Shri M.Laxmiah
13. Dr. Tulsi Ram
Terms of Reference
1. The Task Force will make recommendations to Implement the Bhopal
Declaration.
2. The Task Force will focus on further expansion of Diversity into all sectors of
the Government.
3. The list of Special Invitees is subject to change as per the needs of the Task
Force which may include more experts on specified subjects. The Task Force held its 1st Meeting on March 15, 2002 in the Conference Hall
of the Vidhan Sabha, Bhopal. Upon discussions and deliberations on the making an
14
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Action Programme of the Declaration, the Task Force decided to form Sub-
Committees on the following issues:
SUB-COMMITTEE Declaration
Points
1. LAND AND COMMON PROPERTY 1,2,3,4
RESOURCES
2. TRIBAL ISSUES 5,8,11
3. CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS 7,8,12,16,17,18
4. DIVERSITY 6,13,14,15
5. EMPLOYMENT AND REPRESENTATION 19,20,21
6. EDUCATION 9,10,13
The relevant Agenda Points of the Bhopal Declaration are specified against
each Sub-Committee.
The following is the Composition of the Sub-Committees:
1. SUB-COMMITTEE ON LAND AND COMMON PROPERTY RESOURCES
Experts:
Prof. B.C.Mungekar
Prof. S.K.Thorat
Sh. M.Laxmiah
Dr. R.K. Nayak*
Sh. Velappan Karuppan*
Sh. M.M. Upadhyay*
Mrs. Neelam Rao*
Coordinating Officals :
Sh. S.S.Wankhade, Secretary,Revenue
Sh. Satya Prakash, Commissioner, Bhopal Division
15
Introduction
2. SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Experts:
Prof. Ram Dayal Munda
Prof. Virginius Xa Xa
Prof. Tiplut Nongbri
Sh. D.Shyam Babu
Coordinating Offical :
Dr. Balwan Singh, Additonal Commissioner, Tribal Development
3. SUB-COMMITTEE ON CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Experts:
Prof. Kancha Iliah
Ms. Ruth Manorama*
Sh. Martin Macwan
Sh. Paul Diwakar
Coordinating Offical :
Sh. S.S.Uppal, Secretary, Home
4. SUB-COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY
Experts:
Prof. K.S.Chalam
Dr. Gail Omvedt
Sh. Chandra Bhan Prasad
Ms. Meenakshi Nath
Coordinating Offical :
Sh. Sewa Ram, Commissioner, Tribal Development
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
5. SUB-COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND REPRESENTATION
Experts:
Dr. K.S.Chauhan
Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru
Sh. Narendra Kumar*
Sh. Rajeshwar Rangari*
Coordinating Offical :
Sh. R.Parasuram, Secretary, Human Resource Development
6. SUB-COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Experts:
Prof. Mrinal Miri
Prof. Tulsi Ram
Ms. Teesta Setalvad
Dr. Y.S.Alone*
Dr. A.L.Kenadi*
Sh. Rajesh Rajora*
Coordinating Offical :
Sh. D.P. Dubey, Secretary, Education
(*Special Invitees to the meetings of the Sub-Committees. See Appendix for
the details of the Members of the Task Force.)
17
Introduction
The six Sub-Committees were assisted and coordinated by Commissioners/
Directors of the concerned departments, who were also the members of the Sub-
Committees. The coordinating departments provided information and all necessary
assistance.
Terms of Reference of the Sub-Committees:
1. The Action Agenda Points listed in the Bhopal Declaration have been
apportioned as per the broad area specified for each Sub-Committee.
2. Each Sub-Committee has the freedom to include in its ambit other Action
Agenda points if the Sub-Committee finds it to be in the interest of its broader
agenda.
3. The Sub-Committees may decide to sit as many occasions as needed.
4. The Sub-Committees which desire to convene a meeting will well in advance
inform the Member-Secretary who would finalise common dates for all the
Sub-Committees to sit and deliberate.
5. Individual Members of the Sub-Committees may seek information
independently from the coordinating department.
6. The Sub-Committees may call for any advice or information from other experts
in the area.
The Sub-Committees held a series of meetings interacting with experts from
various fields and benefited immensely from their experiences.
The Sub-Committees submitted their Reports in August 2002. The Government
of Madhya Pradesh circulated the Recommendations to various concerned
departments for their comments. After receipt of all the comments the full Task
Force was convened on November 11, 2002 at Bhopal to have a comprehensive
look at the Recommendations and the comments of the government departments.
The experts and the Government discussed in detail the recommendations.
The Task Force commends the Government of Madhya Pradesh for its historic
implementation of the Supplier Diversity by amending “The Madhya Pradesh Store
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Purchase Rules” and issuing ”The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare
Department Purchase Rules, 2002”.
The Task Force, taking into consideration all the reports, findings and
aspirations of 250 million Dalits of the country, hereby submits The Task Force
Report On Bhopal Declaration to the Government of Madhya Pradesh and trusts
that the Government will accept its recommendations and implement them earnestly thereby charting a new course for the Dalits for the 21st Century.
19
The concept and ideals of a civil society are enshrined in the Constitution of India framed by Dr. Ambedkar, whose preamble declares the commitment of the Indian State to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Conceptualising the Dalit Agenda
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
21
The Bhopal Declaration is a unique charter enshrining the aspirations, objectives
and expectations of the 250 million Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the
country and it is the road map for their socio-economic development.
The Declaration is a single flowing text but it has two parts insofar as
evaluating, recognising and acknowledging the status of Dalits at the turn of the
century and in the second part it enlists a 21-Point Action Agenda for the overall
development of the community. It is essential to look into the conceptual
understanding of the Bhopal Declaration before any recommendations are made.
One of the basic tenets of the Bhopal Declaration is Babasaheb Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar’s ideal of Social Democracy. His understanding of the Indian society
made him stress on the struggle through democratic and constitutional means. His
prophecy that “A democratic form of Government presupposes a democratic form
of society. The formal framework of democracy is of no value and would indeed be
a misfit if there was no social democracy” is the greatest lesson India should learn.
His struggles for the emancipation of his people and the historic rights he won for
them paved the way for the Dalit movements. At the turn of the millennium and
drawing inspiration from his ideals, the Bhopal Conference and the Bhopal Declaration
have opened new vistas.
The concept and ideals of a civil society are enshrined in the Constitution of
India framed by Dr. Ambedkar, whose preamble declares the commitment of the
Indian State to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The concept of equality that
the people of India gave onto themselves on November 26, 1949 included political,
social and economic equality.
Conceptualising the Dalit Agenda
It is essential to look into the conceptual understanding of the Bhopal Declaration before any recommendations are made
22
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The Declaration takes into consideration the fact that, even after 54 years of
independence, the Dalits are at the receiving end of the most brutal and oppressive
forms of discrimination and exclusion. It makes clear that there is a need for the
Dalits to make a common cause with all emancipatory movements.
There is a need to ensure Dalit representation in all decision-making bodies
without which their human rights will remain a mirage. The society as a whole with
its political leadership, bureaucracy and grassroots activists should make a
concerted effort for the overall development of the Dalits. The Declaration stresses
the need for consensus over redeeming the pledges and promises of the founding
fathers of the Republic on the rights of the Dalits.
The Declaration underscores the Indian psyche which is uncritical of the
rigid hierarchy of caste system and caste discrimination. The fact that caste is the
major source of prejudice and brutal violence unleashed on the community is
unfortunately ignored.
The Declaration recognizes the legitimate and historical rights of tribals over
forest and forest produce. The role of tribal communities, especially tribal women,
in protecting and conserving the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources,
its culture and civilization has been clearly amplified. Dalit women represent the
most oppressed section of our society, and they face multiple forms of discrimination
based on caste, religion, patriarchic ideology and obscurantist practices.
The Declaration recognizes the status of women and seeks to empower
them. The recognition of SC/ST women as a distinct category in census, planning,
development programmes, market enterprises, financial allocations, employment,
and health facilities is essential for the all round development of Dalit women who
are burdened by both gender and caste. The atrocities that are perpetrated on the
Dalit women are to be dealt sternly. The National and State Commissions of Women
should report in their annual reports on the status of SC and ST women.
Unfortunately, the National Policy on Women does not yet recognize the SC and
ST women as a distinct category.
There is a need to ensure Dalit representation in all decision-making bodies without which their human rights will remain a mirage
23
The Declaration expresses the hope that India will no longer remain an
exception to the global norms of progress, equality, justice, peace, social harmony
and to the winds of change the world over. Universally, democratic nations are
conducive to Inclusion, Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Democratisation and Civil
Society, and are against discrimination, stereotype, stigma, exclusion and caste
society. India should be no exception.
While rededicating itself to the Dalit cause, the Declaration regrets that the
post-Ambedkar Dalit intelligentsia has failed both in carrying forward his emancipatory
movement as well as making an impact on the nation’s intellectual life.
The Statement of Rededication
We hereby solemnly proclaim that while we rededicate ourselves to work in
unison to achieve basic rights of Dalits, we are convinced that unless the 21-Point
Dalit Agenda is implemented no amount of activism on our part and pro-active
measures from the State can liberate the community from the scourge of
untouchability and exploitation.
The Dalit Agenda for the 21st Century
The Bhopal Declaration took into consideration all conceivable aspects of
Dalits’ condition. The declaration emanates from the conceptual background of deep
understanding of the political, social, economic and cultural aspects of the commu-
nity.
The 21–point action agenda as a demand is all encompassing of Dalit libera-
tion. Land as the single most important asset was discussed threadbare and con-
cretized into action points in the declaration.
The Bhopal Declaration demands that the Government should ensure that
each Dalit family will own enough cultivable land for socio-economic well being. It
leaves it to the Government to pursue all possible measures including purchase of
cultivable land. The declaration seeks a specific time-frame to achieve the goal.
Conceptualising the Dalit Agenda
The Declaration expresses the hope that India will no longer remain an exception to the global norms of progress, equality, justice, peace, social harmony
24
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The declaration addresses the issue of land alienation and the land belong-
ing to Dalits illegally occupied by non-Dalits. It demands the restoration of the
same within a specific time-frame.
The inalienable rights of tribals over forest and forest produce, their rights as
shareholders of the land from which they are displaced due to development projects
are to be recognized. Compensation, rehabilitation, extension of resources and
capacity building for tribals for utilizing their land and forests need to be ensured.
The declaration recognises Dalit agricultural labourers as a separate target
group. It demands Dalit agricultural labourers’ rights to living wages, equal wages,
employment assurance, better working conditions and welfare. It demands legisla-
tion in this regard and punitive measures against offenders.
An equitable share in the community lands and such other rural and urban
common property resources was demanded.
The Bhopal Declaration demands several legislative measures. Amendments
to law that prevent lengthy litigations and denial of legal redressal for Dalits were
proposed. Similarly statutory committees both at Center and State levels for resto-
ration of land and removal of illegal occupation of Dalit lands were demanded.
Effective and strict implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and the Employment of Manual Scavengers
and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 and Bonded Labor System
(Abolition) Act, 1976 and child labor abolition measures was on the agenda points.
Seeking further statutory provisions for compulsory debate in Parliament
and state assemblies on the annual reports of the national and state SC/ ST com-
missions and the National Safai Karamcharis Commission, the declaration seeks
that action taken reports are made public.
The declaration puts forward the basic issue of the state’s role of protecting
the Dalits. It demands mandatory provisions of arms licenses, setting up of Dalits’
self-defence groups and training Dalit women for self-defence. Deployment of forces
in atrocity-prone areas should be mandatory.
An equitable share in the community lands and such other rural and urban common property resources demanded
25
In the realm of education the declaration demands compulsory, free and high
quality education for Dalits. Financial support from the Government at the level of
allocation of proportionate funds, compensation for child labour, infrastructural fa-
cilities, market-oriented vocational and technical education were demanded keep-
ing in view of the changing face of the employment market in the era of economic
reforms in India where there will be far high demand for skilled jobs in the private
sector. Reservation quota as an instrument to ensure equitable share in education,
whether in government or private institutions, is the need of the day. From primary
to technical and professional education all institutions need to implement reserva-
tions.
The Government should set aside funds for ensuring capital and credit op-
portunities to the Dalits. Adequate investment resources are necessary to enter
the market economy. The entire country’s market economy, now virtually controlled
by a few privileged castes, needs to be democratized. Make provisions for the
development of entrepreneurial skills, capacities for market enterprises. In every
budget the Centre and States should allocate funds proportionate to the SC/ST
population.
The issue of diversity and democratisation of all walks of life has been the
mainstay of the Bhopal Declaration. Democratisation of capital and credit and en-
suring a proportionate share for the Dalits in the market economy should be taken
seriously. Diversity in workforce will be one of the major issues that will be haunting
the nation in the years to come as a result of the liberalization of economy, global-
ization of trade and privatisation of services. The process of affirmative action will
have to start right away in not only the private sector and corporate sector but also
in all educational, academic and autonomous institutions. Registered bodies with
the Government should comply with the basic tenets of democractisation of workforce.
The institutions that do not practice workforce diversity should be stripped off gov-
ernment recognition.
The practice of obtaining supplies from a diverse group of communities and
Conceptualising the Dalit Agenda
India’s market economy, now virtually controlled by a few privileged castes, needs to be democratized
26
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
awarding dealerships to a socially diverse group of businesses should be the basic
tenet of democractisation. All the public and private enterprises must start practic-
ing diversity. The share of the SC/STs should be automatically awarded to their
businesses. It is imperative for the Government to initiate programmes to develop
skills and capacities of the Dalits in this regard.
The Dalits have been completely excluded from the armed forces. There-
fore, the demand for reservations in defence forces needs to be accepted. The
community’s rightful share in posts at all levels of judiciary can no longer be ig-
nored. The lack of transparency in the appointment of judges, which adversely
affected the community, should be done away with.
Finally, the Agenda set forth by the Bhopal Declaration demands a Truth
Paper by the Centre and all States on the status of implementation of reservations
during the past 25 years.
What started as a conference of Dalit activists and intellectuals in Bhopal
has opened up new ideas and vistas of freedom. It will pave a long way in the
emancipation of Dalits and bring about equality of the society and usher in a demo- cratic, vibrant, responsive India in the 21st Century.
The community’s rightful share in posts at all levels of judiciary can no longer be ignored
27
Reaching Out to the Poorest of the Poor
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
Of the people living below the poverty line (BPL) and among the landless agricultural labour, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) form the majority. The SC/STs are the most vulnerable section susceptible to hunger, malnutrition and disease. They are subjected to continuous exploitation and violence. Most of the existing schemes have failed to reach them. And the schemes are thinly spread, rendering their impact negligible. Therefore, the Government should target this group for providing guaranteed employment and care of its basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, education and healthcare.
28
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
29
The greatest problem that confronts this section is the lack of food security. There
are few employment opportunities and even though the BPL/ landless SC/STs are
in constant search of work, there is not sufficient employment available to this
asset-less, unskilled millions. This renders their existence so precarious, insecure,
making them live in deplorable conditions and the problem of food security should
be the first and foremost issue to be tackled by any democratic Government and
by a country whose buffer stocks of foodgrains are overflowing.
1) It is imperative, therefore, that the Government recognises their right to work
and to living wages as a fundamental right and guarantees employment at
least 200-days in a year, which is made mandatory by law. Make Panchayat
Raj Institutions accountable for implementing the Government’s commitment
of guaranteed employment by law.
2) Pool all rural development funds at panchayat, block, district and state-levels
meant for employment-generation, and first spend the money to ensure at least
200-days employment in a year to this section. Works should primarily focus
on improving the SC/ST lands and providing irrigation facilities and should be
labour intensive. This should be made mandatory by law. Other types of work
can be taken up only after fulfilling this commitment. And the decision on the
type of work should be taken by the interested group.
3) If the Government/ Panchayats fail to provide employment for at least 200
days in a year to BPL/ landless SC/STs, they should be given ‘unemployment
allowance’ which should not be less than 75% of the minimum wage under the
law.
Reaching Out to the Poorest of the Poor
There are few employment opportunities and even though the BPL/ landless SC/STs are in constant search of work, there is not sufficient employment available
30
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
4) The Government should provide comprehensive medical and health insurance
cover to all BPL/ landless SC/STs by paying full premium. Such insurance
cover should enable these poor families to walk into a hospital without having
to pay any money.
5) These vulnerable sections of BPL/ landless SC/STs should have across–the-
counter access to foodgrains from Grain Banks set-up in every village and
mohalla . The grain so borrowed can be returned in kind or through labour ren-
dered under any scheme by the borrower.
6) Create and maintain a database on the BPL/ landless SC/STs at panchayat,
block, district and state-levels. There should be family-wise, periodic monitor-
ing of their living conditions at all levels mentioned above, based on uniform
benchmarks such as: Do they have sufficient employment opportunities to
sustain their families? What is the nutritional level of the family? What is the
general condition of their health, especially that of mother and child? Are they
in a position to send their children to school? Are they having proper shelter?
etc.
7) Devise a trigger mechanism to alert the top political and bureaucratic machin-
ery at the state-level whenever the condition of the BPL/ landless SC/STs in
an area falls below the benchmarks. Officials should be given specific targets
and their performance be measured accordingly.
8) Upto-date data on the BPL/ landless SC/STs and the resources allocated for
their welfare should be made public and annual reports thereon placed before
the state assembly. And also publish district-level quarterly data.
9) All government schemes whether Central or State should be redesigned and
revised to first and foremost target this section to take care of their minimum
needs. Such an exercise should be initiated at once at all levels.
10) During difficult times such as drought/ flood, surplus foodgrains with the gov-
ernment should be used in the food for work scheme to feed this section. The
Government should not get into lengthy and time-consuming processes of de-
There should be family- wise, periodic monitoring of their living conditions at all levels
31
claring areas as drought-affected and wait for foodgrains’ supply eternally from
the central government. The District Collector should be empowered to indent
foodgrains from the nearest FCI stocks as soon as an area is declared drought-
affected.
11) Those who are unable to feed themselves cannot be expected to send their
children to school. Hence the Government should adopt at least one child each
from the families of the BPL/ landless SC/STs and take care of his/ her entire
educational needs till he/ she starts earning for the family.
12) Provide social security to these families on the death of their bread-winner by
a uniform insurance cover. The compensation should be paid within 15-days
unlike the delays being experienced in the National Family Benefit Scheme.
13) A poor old person loses the strength to work as he grows older rendering him
so helpless to sustain his life. Ensure compulsory monthly old-age pension to
all BPL/ landless SC/STs.
14) End discrimination on the availability of safe drinking water to the SC/STs.
Every SC/ST locality shall have guaranteed safe, potable drinking water. Enact
legislation guaranteeing this right a responsibility of the State Government.
15) The central government should ensure time-bound provision of pucca housing
for all BPL/ landless SC/ST families by 2008. The process should be started
by the State Government by allotting house-plots.
16) Migrant labourers and nomadic tribes leave their place of origin to other places/
states for work. Migrant labourers be provided with a Ration Card so that they
can obtain ration at subsidised prices in the new place of work. Such a card
issued by a State Government should be accepted by all states/ UTs and the
Government of India should initiate a scheme in this regard.
17) There should be not less than proportionate share for the SC/STs at constitu-
ency level in the funds at the discretion of the MPs and MLAs (such as in the
MPLADS).
18) Similar provisions should be made for proportionate share to the SC/STs in the
Reaching Out to the Poorest of the Poor
Those who are unable to feed themselves cannot be expected to send their children to school
32
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
discretionary funds at the disposal of the ministers, chief ministers and the
Prime Minister.
Urban Asset-less Families
1) The Task Force recommends the formulation of schemes like construction of
shops at commercial places in urban areas and allot them to SC/ST families.
One segment of the community is well placed to make use of the opportunities
open to it as a result of its educational attainments. Therefore, there is a need
to sustain the development this section has so far achieved by helping it to
advance further. Such an approach will have spill-over benefits.
2) However, a majority of urban SC/STs lead their lives in sub-human conditions.
Their basic needs, especially housing, should be taken care of. The Govern-
ment should construct colonies for them in the heart of the cities/ towns so
that they can have access to civic amenities and employment. Special atten-
tion should be paid to in-situ development of juggi-jopri areas including proper
drainage and sewerage and to create SC/ST housing societies. The urban de-
velopment authorities should allot land for housing and either the Governt Fi-
nancial Institutions should provide interest-free housing loans in time-bound
programmes to end homelessness among this section.
A majority of urban SC/ STs lead their lives in sub-human conditions. Their basic needs, especially housing, should be taken care of
33
Tribal communities are the most marginalised section of the society and they are at the bottom of all human development indicators, as the data churned out year after year by national and international Human Development Reports amplify the reality. They live under the shadow of poverty, hunger and disease. Their emancipation requires sustained welfare measures, restoring their age-old rights over forest and forest produce and bringing them on par with the rest of the society in all respects. A New Dawn for Tribals
34
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
35
First they were driven out of fertile lands and then into forests. Later, they were deprived of even the forests
First Rights of Tribals over Forest is an inalienable and irrefutable historical fact.
The colonial rule for the first time deprived the Tribals of their forest and viewed
forests only as a source of revenue. That process of Tribal impoverishment and
alienation continues even today after 55 years of independence. First they were
driven out of fertile lands and then into forests. Later, they were deprived of even
the forests. Then their rights even over forest produce and revenue were taken
away. Now their life-styles and freedom of movement — in the areas hitherto be-
longed to them — are severely restricted. Myriad laws and various state agencies
harass them and deny them of their basic human rights. The Government of Madhya
Pradesh should take the lead – and also persuade the Government of India – to end
the tragedy of our Tribal brethren.
1) Tribals should be made co-sharers/ partners in all revenue from the economic
activities in forest areas such as mining, logging, tourism, forest produce, etc.
2) It is unreasonable to expect the poor Tribals to bear the brunt of protecting the
environment for the entire nation. The whole society and a plethora of environ-
mentalists are depriving the Tribals of their livelihood in the name of environ-
ment. In fact, it is the responsibility of all of us to safeguard the environment.
Environmental protection can be ensured by social forestation and by creating
and expanding the green cover in non-Tribal areas also. Should the Tribals be
starved in the name of protecting the environment? Therefore, it is imperative
that the Government immediately have a relook at the Forest (Conservation)
Act, 1980 which has not proved to be pro-Tribal. And the Government should
consider, in consultation with the Tribal communities, how to ensure the First
Rights of Tribals over Forest and Forest Produce.
A New Dawn for Tribals
36
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Degraded forest lands and revenue lands entered as forest lands should be given to Tribals for aforestation and allied activities
3) The Government should invoke the Kyoto Protocol, 1997 to use carbon trading
provisions for the benefit of the Tribals.
4) Degraded forest lands and revenue lands entered as forest lands should be
given to Tribals for aforestation and allied activities. Tribals should have exclu-
sive rights over all revenue from aforestation and allied activities.
5) Money-lenders represent the greatest curse on the Tribals. The scourge of in-
debtedness must be eradicated by all means including the enactment of strict
laws and through self-help groups/ micro-financing facilities. A hassle-free ac-
cess to credit and consumer/personal loans through their own Rural and Urban
Banks can solve the problem. Special schemes should be drawn up so that
they can have their own cooperative banks.
Land Alienation and Restoration
1) There should be transparency and access to land records at the village level to
the Tribals. Regular updating of land records and display of revenue details at
the village level should be part of transparency. Tribals should be allowed to
participate in the process of survey of land.
2) Ensure speedy disposal of cases where Tribals are involved and oral evidence
should be admissible where records are absent. Where lands are restored to
Tribals, the non-Tribals should not be granted stay by the courts. In cases
where non-Tribal does not handover the possession of land to the Tribal after
the court order the case should be registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act, 1989. Revenue officials should be made responsible for ensur-
ing physical possession of the land to Tribals immediately. There should be a
system of monthly monitoring of the restoration of land by Collectors and Com-
missioners and action should be taken against erring officers. State Commis-
sion for Scheduled Tribes should also monitor the cases.
3) All forest villagers should be given patta for the land, which they are cultivating
37
Name of the female member of the family should also be included as Bhumi Swamy along with the male members in land records
A New Dawn for Tribals
since the ages. And the Tribals residing in forest areas should be allowed to
cultivate the land.
4) When new land is allotted to Tribals, they should also be provided with the
compensation for livelihood for at least two years.
5) Name of female member of the family should also be included as Bhumi Swamy
along with the male members in land records.
6) Drought-proofing should be ensured by developing critical areas under Inte-
grated Watershed Management Programme. Watershed programme should also
be continued and the construction of Rain Water Harvesting Structures needs
to be encouraged.
7) The last date for application fixed in Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code,1959
(being replaced by Bhusudhar Adhiniyam Bill, 2002 ) has expired hence the
date 31-12-1978 should be deleted to facilitate the Tribals to apply for restora-
tion of possession of the transferred land. Similarly, the provision of restriction
regarding the transfer of Tribal land to non-Tribal in Scheduled Areas should be
made applicable to whole of the state.
8) Appearance of Advocate without permission is debarred in cases under Sec-
tion 170(A)&(B) of Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code,1959. Such provision
should be made applicable to all revenue cases of Tribals.
Forest Economy
1) The right of access to forests and forest produce should primarily be for the
bonafide use of the Tribal communities living within and around forest areas. It
can be done by involving Tribal communities living close to the forest in regen-
eration, afforestation, protection and management by ensuring the following
conditions:
a) Adequate forest areas are entrusted to well defined users groups
38
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
There is brisk economic activity in and around Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Parks but the Tribals have no role in it
b) It should be linked with food for work scheme.
c) Security of tenure as well as long-term access to benefits from the re-
sources are assured.
2) Forest villages should be intensively developed on the pattern of Primitive
Tribal Groups. All forest villages should be well defined and the residents of
these villages should enjoy all the rights as by those in any non-forest revenue
village. This should be ensured by legislation. Heritable and inalienable rights
on the land should be given on priority basis.
3) Organised commercial cultivation and collection of medicinal plants by Tribals
should be encouraged.
4) Appropriate marketing of non-timber forest produce, on the lines of Tendu leaf
marketing, should be encouraged as it will improve the economy of the Tribals.
5) Integrated area development programme should be undertaken to meet the
needs of the Tribal economy in and around the forest areas including the provi-
sions of alternative sources of domestic energy on a subsidised basis to re-
duce the pressure on forests. Agro-forestry and social forestry should be pro-
moted for meeting the food, fodder, fuel wood, timber, bamboo requirements of
the people. Commercial forestry should be promoted for economic develop-
ment of the Tribals. For example, encouraging bamboo cultivation will improve
the economy of the Tribal.
6) There is brisk economic activity in and around Wild Life Sanctuaries and Na-
tional Parks but the Tribals have no role in it. Tribals should be trained to take
part in commercial activities in these areas. For example, vehicles ply for
tourists and Tribals can be trained in driving and purchase of vehicles should be
financed by Tribal Development & Finance Corporations. Only the Tribals should
be allowed to ply these vehicles. Instead of driving them out, the Tribals can be
engaged in the management of these sanctuaries and parks. Also training them
in flora and fauna will help the Tribals to become tourist guides.
39
Rehabilitation
1) The Government of India should formulate new rehabilitation policy for SC/
STs. A Tribal community living in a village should be shifted and rehabilitated in
one place and not in different places. Villagers should be taken into confidence
while implementing the policies of shifting and in the process of rehabilitation
from the beginning till the end. Rehabilitation should be on community basis
(‘Cultural Rehabilitation’) and not individual basis as has been the case so far.
Moreover, the dwelling unit constructed for the rehabilitation should be as per
the requirements of the Tribal and he should be involved in the process of
construction. Members of Parliament, especially the SC/ST MPs, should be
persuaded to pressurise the Union Government to enact required legislation.
2) Rehabilitation cost should be part of the Project and the compensation should
be paid at market rate. The process of rehabilitation should be completed be-
fore the start of the project. Rehabilitation package must invariably be one of
up-gradation, offering better economic and social conditions than the one the
Tribals were previously subjected to.
3) The Tribal whose land has been acquired for an industrial / mining project should
be made a shareholder for royalty-sharing. In such industries one person from
the family should be given permanent employment. It will be appropriate to give
training in different trades to the Tribals in question so that they can get em-
ployment in industries established. Where employment is not provided to the
affected-Tribals – for whatever reasons — a monthly stipend should be paid to
them.
4) The land of Tribals should be taken on lease only, instead of acquiring the land
for industries. The Gram Sabha, with the consent of the Tribal-owner, may re-
new the lease and the lease period should not be more than 20 years. The
mining lease should be given to Tribal persons or Tribal Cooperative Societies.
Necessary financial assistance should be provided through Tribal Finance and
Development Corporation.
A New Dawn for Tribals
Rehabilitation package must invariably be one of up-gradation, offering better economic and social conditions than the one the Tribals were previously subjected to
40
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
5) There should not be displacement of Tribals for any project whether mining,
energy or any other in the Scheduled Areas and Protected Areas. Displace-
ment should only be permitted under unavoidable circumstances, such as un-
der instances of great national importance or public interest. Even in such
cases, the affected Tribal be given life-long remuneration which should be linked
to the Consumer Price Index. This remuneration should be extended to his
legal successors.
6) The Tribal whose land has been acquired for a dam should be allotted land in
the command area so that he can get water for irrigation. Such Tribals should
be exempted from irrigation cess. They should be given exclusive fishing rights
and exclusive rights over boating for tourists.
Healthcare
Because of genetic reasons, food habits, their environment and, more than any-
thing else, their poverty, the Tribal communities are susceptible to various endemic
diseases. Therefore a special drive is necessary to study the problem and come
out with solutions. Meanwhile, the entire community should be covered under com-
prehensive health insurance.
Primitive, Nomadic/ Denotified Tribes
1) Take care of health, employment and educational needs of Primitive, Nomadic/
Denotified Tribes. Encourage them to diversify from their traditional occupa-
tions.
2) Restrictions on mining and logging in forest areas have deprived them of the
only avenues of work and, as a result, their food security has been threatened.
Therefore, the Government should immediately initiate measures to provide
alternate employment opportunities and grain banks so that their food security
is ensured.
3) These groups should be given preference when implementing welfare schemes
meant for the Tribals.
Displacement should only be permitted under unavoidable circumstances, such as under instances of great national importance or public interest
41
Fast Forward…
hen compared even to the condition of the Scheduled Castes, the socio-economic
profile of the Scheduled Tribes tends to be more depressing. Unlike among the
SCs, educated middle class among the STs is too small to call it a separate seg-
ment. Cultural and geographic barriers, in addition to poverty and discrimination,
are preventing the upward mobility of the Tribals. Therefore, the government should
make an extra effort to push the Tribal community into higher education and com-
mensurate employment. Apart from striving to raise literacy and educational lev-
els, the government should forthwith concentrate on improving the required skills
among the already educated STs.
A very few among the educated Tribal youth may get jobs in the public sector and
the remaining majority will be hard pressed to find suitable employment. Because
their educational foundations are weak and their skills in English language or com-
puters are not upto the mark.
1) Therefore, the government should consider all means to upgrade their skills in
English, sciences, maths, management, computers, etc., through career
counelling, special coaching camps so that they can get employment in the
open market. Such an endeavour is practicable and will yield quick, tangible
results. There can be no better motivation for Tribal parents to send their wards
to school than the evidence that education gives returns that they never even
dreamt of.
A New Dawn for Tribals
There can be no better motivation for Tribal parents to send their wards to school than the evidence that education gives returns that they never even dreamt of
Ensuring the well-being of the SC/ST women and children should be at the core of any development agenda. Because they happen to be the main victims of poverty and underdevelopment and unless they are specifically targeted in the welfare schemes, the community’s advancement cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, returns on the expenditure for women’s development, such as on their education, have been proved to be far more substantial than on development expenditure without gender component.
Women and Child Development
44
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
45
The Task Force recommends the inclusion of gender component in all the
developmental initiatives arising out of the Bhopal Declaration.
For example…
1) No effort should be spared when it comes to encouraging the education of
the girl-child.
2) Keeping in view the fact that female SC/ST teachers can better motivate their
families as well as the community to send children to school, the Task Force
recommends that educated women of the community should be given preference
in appointing teachers.
3) It is also a well-known fact that women-managed thrift societies/ micro-credit
institutions/ self-help groups have been very successful, as experience shows
in Bangladesh. Therefore, in the proposed SC/ST micro-credit/ self-help
cooperatives, women should be given the pivotal role.
4) Similarly, women should be brought in in a big way in the Diversity Initiative.
Encourage them to form cooperatives of small scale/ cottage industries and
also train them to produce the kind of goods that can be purchased under
Diversity.
5) Make it mandatory that 50% of the benefits in all initiatives go to the SC/ST
women.
6) Health and nutritional requirements of women and children should be taken
care of under specific schemes.
Women and Child Development
Women should be brought in in a big way in the Diversity Initiative. Encourage them to form cooperatives of small scale/ cottage industries
By the year 2008, no SC/ST family will earn its livelihood as Landless Agricultural Labourers. They would have been allotted enough cultivable land by the Government, or will have on their own or by the support of the government, moved away to other professions, more dignified, more paying in nature. The 2008-deadline should be split into annual targets of land distribution.
Land and Common Property Resources
48
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
49
Each SC/ST landless family should be provided with minimum 5 acres of agricul-
tural land. Those SC/STs who are having less than 5 acres of land should be given
extra land so as to take their total to 5 acres. All possible means including a new
phase of land reforms should be pursued in this regard. We meanwhile recommend
the following measures.
1) The Government should accelerate the distribution of grazing land, land found
to be surplus under land-ceiling and Bhoodan lands. It should also pursue all
means to curtail unnecessary and anti-SC/ST litigation in land reform cases.
2) A loan-cum-subsidy scheme should be started to purchase land by SC/ST
families. The State SC/ST Finance and Development Corporation should take
advantage of the existing schemes of the Government of India and formulate a
viable scheme utilizing maximum amount of Special Central Assistance.
3) Purchase of land for distribution can be one of the better ways. Financial con-
straints cannot be cited as an excuse not to consider purchasing land for dis-
tribution. The Government of India and various state governments have bor-
rowed money from national and international institutions for all conceivable
reasons. Money can as well be borrowed for this purpose as it would definitely
lift the poverty-stricken landless SC/ST masses out of their misery.
4) Degraded forest lands and revenue wastelands which carry the entry of minor
forest and being treated as forest land should be identified and distributed to
landless SC/STs. For that suitable legislative action is required at both state
and central levels.
5) Mere distribution of land will not be enough to bring them out of poverty be-
cause the lands owned by the SC/STs or the lands distributed to them are not
Land and Common Property Resources
Financial constraints cannot be cited as an excuse not to consider purchasing land for distribution
50
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
very productive. Therefore, the Government should take the responsibility to
make all these lands productive so that the community can be economically
self-sustaining. All rural development funds should be pooled and used for the
betterment of these lands.
6) Those landless SC/ST agricultural labourers who wish to turn into tenants,
should be extended all help including interest-free loans to pay tenancy charges
as well as to buy inputs. The Government of India and state governments
should declare a comprehensive scheme in this regard.
7) The community should have equitable share in the common property resources
such as village tanks, sand and sand-stone, quarries, orchards, trees, etc.,
and to realise that suitable provisions should be made in Panchyat Act and
other local bodies legislation. The commendable legislative changes that Madhya
Pradesh has already brought about should be implemented in true spirit. The
State Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development Corpo-
ration should formulate special schemes to help SC/ST entrepreneurs to take
advantage of the provision to M.P. Minor Mineral Rules.
The community should have equitable share in the common property resources such as village tanks, sand and sand-stone, quarries, orchards, trees, etc
51
Create an all-inclusive, dynamic and prosperous society for India, where all traditional caste identities and birth-based notions and practices of advantages and disadvantages will become a thing of the past. The Ideal of Diversity means that all institutions – both public and private – should reflect the ‘diversity’ in the society. Such an ideal can only be realised by ensuring Equality of Opportunity in all walks of life. Diversity: The Way Out
52
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
53
The disinvested oil companies should continue dealerships to SC/STs in the same manner as in the Government
Diversity: Supplies/ Dealerships/ Contracts
1) While commending the Government of Madhya Pradesh for implementing the
Supplier Diversity in SC/ST welfare departments, the Task Force recommends
that the same be extended to all the government departments.
2) The State while buying goods and services from the open market should issue
policy guidelines that goods and services in proportion to SC/ST population
will be purchased from SC/ST entrepreneurs or enterprises controlled by them.
3) The automobile sector should come forward and provide dealerships to SC/
STs and make special efforts in this regard.
4) The private sector, especially the consumer goods and pharmaceutical sector,
which market their products through a network of distributors and dealers, should
ensure that SC/STs are encouraged and given dealerships and distributorships.
5) In the changing scenario of disinvestment the Government should ensure that
the oil/ LPG/ CNG dealerships to the SC/STs would continue and the disinvested
oil companies should continue dealerships to SC/STs in the same manner as
in the Government.
6) The private oil companies which are entering the market should ensure Oil/
LPG/ CNG dealerships to SC/STs in the pattern implemented by the govern-
ment as their commitment to the social development of the country.
7) The Government should direct government & semi-government organisations
that supply material to the Government to promote and register SC/ST entre-
preneurs. And while making supplies to the various government departments,
ensure that proportionate share of government purchases come from SC/ST
entrepreneurs.
Diversity: The Way Our
54
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
8) The large manufacturers should be encouraged to sell their goods to the gov-
ernment through business entities owned and run by SC/STs.
9) The Government, while giving licenses/ clearances/ tax-concessions to manu-
facturers, should put conditions that they will practice Dealership Diversity.
10) The Government should arrange training through diploma courses for educated
SC/ST youth in skills and knowledge in modern methods of business and ser-
vices and motivate them to set up enterprises.
11) The SC/ST corporations should formulate their schemes in such a way that
SC/ST entrepreneurs can raise their capital requirements through these schemes.
Encouraging entrepreneurial skills among the community requires initiating
Capacity Building measures and providing working capital. The Government
should introduce all possible programmes to make SC/ST businesses sustain-
able.
12) The State Government awards liquor licenses worth crores of rupees every
year. Diversity in allotment of liquor outlets can promote many SC/ST entrepre-
neurs.
13) Diversity should be ensured in awarding contracts of various government
projects in case of large contracts there should be a clause in contract deed
that the contractor shall ensure diversity while awarding sub-contracts, em-
ploying workers & procuring material.
Diversity: Workforce
1) SC/STs must have share in workforce in proportion to their population. If re-
quired, in-service training should be given to bring them to the desired levels.
2) The State should build an environment for wider acceptance of affirmative
action in partnership with industry and corporate sector, including organiza-
tions in both manufacturing and services sectors of the economy.
3) Apex trade and industry bodies should be persuaded to establish Affirmative
Action Committees within their organizations. They should also be persuaded
Encouraging entrepreneurial skills among the community requires initiating Capacity Building measures and providing working capital
55
to voluntarily frame guidelines for their constituent units to encourage affirma-
tive action within their respective organizations.
4) Trade and industry associations should build a dynamic database of the exist-
ing situation as far as actual employment to the disadvantaged groups is con-
cerned. It should be mandatory for all bodies employing more than 50 workers
to declare the social composition of their workforce, agents, sub-agents and
the dealers.
5) Trade and industry associations can design a charter, which includes a volun-
tary commitment towards action on the part of their constituents.
6) Trade and industry associations can help publicise best practices in the field to
encourage others to emulate the examples.
7) The Government can come out with an incentive and reward policy for best
Diversity practitioners in the private sector.
8) A separate set of policy guidelines can be laid down for those private sector
organizations that would like to participate in providing services on contract to
the Government. These can be on the basis of certificates issued by trade and
industry bodies, which again shall be required to get their procedures audited
by independent ombudsmen appointed by the Government.
9) The SC/STs should be encouraged to promote cooperatives, registered bodies
to run businesses, educational institutions etc.
10) All public institutions that don’t follow Diversity and discriminate against SC/
STs should lose recognition and government funding, if any.
11) All industrial/ corporate houses in private sector get various kinds of facilities
from the Government such as land at concessional rates, tax-relief, etc. More-
over, public money is being invested in many companies. Such companies and
industries should mandatorily follow reservations.
12) The other private sector companies/ industries should be persuaded to follow
Diversity in supplies, workforce and contracts.
13) All disinvested companies should continue to provide for reservations to SC/
Diversity: The Way Our
All bodies employing more than 50 workers should declare the social composition of their workforce, agents, sub-agents and the dealers
56
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Create a Diversity Cell in the State SC/ST Commission, which will be the nodal agency to ensure the effective implementation of the Diversity Act
STs. The present policy of inserting a “best endeavour clause” should be changed
and reservations should be restored.
14) A new legislation – which may be called “the Diversity Act” — should specifi-
cally declare the following practices as unlawful:
i. Failure or refusal to hire an individual or otherwise discriminate against any
based on caste/ Tribe with respect to the terms and conditions of employ-
ment.
ii. To limit, segregate or classify employees or applicants for employment or
training in any manner that would deprive or tend to deprive SC/STs of em-
ployment or training opportunities.
15) Create a Diversity Cell in the State SC/ST Commission, which will be the nodal
agency to ensure the effective implementation of the Diversity Act.
Democratising Credit
1) A special law should be enacted so that the schemes of the financial institu-
tions (FIs)/ nationalised banks/ cooperative banks redesigned to ensure that a
minimum credit in proportion to SC/ST population flows to enterprises belong-
ing to these categories. The Task Force rather feels that, given the decades old
exclusion of the community, credit that is more than proportionate to their
population is needed to accomplish a semblance of equality.
2) The above recommendation be made applicable by law to all private banks,
FIs, non-banking finance corporations, etc.,
3) An asset-less SC/ST cannot furnish guarantees for taking loans and hence
credit without guarantees should be arranged. Suitable amerndments to the law
should be made in the case of SC/ST borrowers to dispense with the provision
of furnishing guarantees.
4) The national and state SC/ST Corporations should not be completely depen-
dent upon 100% equity participation by the governments only. The corpora-
tions should go for market borrowing so that credit flow for SC/STs is not
limited to the extent of budgetary support.
57
The Government should create SC/ST self-help groups/ urban & rural cooperative banks in every district for micro-financing and also for inculcating savings habit among the community
5) The Government should create SC/ST self-help groups/ urban & rural coopera-
tive banks in every district for micro-financing and also for inculcating savings
habit among the community. The Government should make a 100% matching
contribution in purchase of shares, in addition bear management costs for first
three years. The Union Government and the Reserve Bank of India should be
approached for obtaining required clearances and concessions. The endeavour
should specifically encourage SC/ST women to take the lead.
6) Credit facilities for the community are almost non-existent as it has no repre-
sentation in the decision-making bodies of lending agencies. Therefore, suit-
able provisions should be made to have SC/ST representation in the boards of
directors of banks and public financial institutions. The same can be imple-
mented with regard to most ‘private’ FIs as huge amounts of public money are
parked in them.
7) Similarly, there should be SC/ST representation in the Reserve Bank of India’s
board of governors and that of Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) as well as all state finance corporations (SFCs).
8) Why cannot the Government nominate – once in a while – an SC/ST chairman
or managing director to one of the boards of banks/ FIs?
9) In an era of Globalisation, there is a need to encourage and protect the small
investors. Who else can be more deserving and needy than the SC/STs who
are small investors without whose participation India’s stock markets can never
have the required depth. Therefore, the Government of India should take all
initiatives to bring the SC/STs into the stock market.
MNCs And International Organisations
The Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), especially the US-based companies, have
come to recognise the importance of their social responsibilities at home. For ex-
ample, most American corporate giants justifiably feel proud of their Diversity prac-
tices. Therefore, it would not be difficult for the Government to encourage them to
continue their praiseworthy policies in India also.
Diversity: The Way Our
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
How can the UN or the World Bank be progressive in New York or Washington and remain oblivious to its own policies/ ideals in India?
Similarly, the United Nations’ (UN) organs and its specialised agencies follow Di-
versity at their respective headquarters. None of their offices located in India follow
any policies that remotely favour the SC/STs. How can the UN or the World Bank
be progressive in New York or Washington and remain oblivious to its own policies/
ideals in India? The Government should impress upon these institutions to be caste
and gender sensitive, just as they are race and gender sensitive at their headquar-
ters.
A Word Of Caution
Diversity in the Private Sector is the most sensitive area. The government should
recognise the fact that the Diversity Initiative is totally new to India and utmost
care must be taken to ensure that this new initiative is not confused with Reserva-
tions. Under Reservations, the onus is on the State to ensure its implementation;
under Diversity, the onus falls on the society to ensure non-discrimination.
While we would have loved to celebrate a situation where the State comes out with
strict legislative mechanism to ensure Diversity in all arenas of private enterprise/
institutions, we understand the constraints that the Government may confront with.
Lest this wonderful doctrine of Diversity gets clouded in controversies and confu-
sions leading to a hostile response from the captains of private industry, the Task
Force proposes a smooth introduction of Diversity in the Private Sector. We, there-
fore, recommend that:
1) The State should undertake a rigorous exercise of opening a channel of com-
munication with organizations of private industry, and departments of SC/ST
welfare, SC/ST intelligentsia, and SC/ST welfare organizations.
2) A series of government-sponsored Round Table Meetings should be organized
between SC/ST representatives, government departments/ organizations and
private industry on the utility of Diversity in creating a good, harmonious social
order for India.
3) The best route to introduce Diversity in private sector could be, to begin with,
59
In the United States and else where, minorities and Afro- Americans are encouraged into armed forces as part of the nation- building process. Why not in India?
the Supplier Diversity, where leaders of private industry would morally find it
difficult to oppose as goods purchased from SC/ST suppliers will have similar
quality and pricing.
Missing Areas…
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes remain excluded from a majority
of sectors in the nation’s economy. They are totally absent in media, capital market
and, in general, the private sector. Their presence is negligible in areas of higher
learning — even in the government-run institutions.
For example, there is no valid reason for the Government not to implement reserva-
tions in the armed forces. Efficiency argument can no longer be sustained because
the Dalits had long ago proved their martial qualities in the (British) Mahar Regi-
ment. In the United States and else where, minorities and Afro-Americans are en-
couraged into armed forces as part of the nation-building process. Why not in In-
dia?
So far the Government has taken a very narrow approach towards the development
of the SC/STs. The approach has been to provide some education and jobs, how-
ever few, in the public sector. It is unlikely to solve the problem. Therefore…
1) The Government should consider how to help the Dalits to enter the hitherto
closed sectors to them. It is the strong belief of the Task Force that concerted
efforts and some fine-tuning will lead to opening up of newer opportunities to
the community.
2) It is recommended to initiate a comprehensive scheme to mould the educated
and unemployed Dalit youth to enter media and other service sectors, and the
private sector.
3) The State Government should use its good offices to impress upon the Gov-
ernment of India to implement this and other recommendations at national-
level.
4) The SC/STs’ exclusion from the mainstream cultural arena has been most
Diversity: The Way Our
60
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The SC/STs’ exclusion from the mainstream cultural arena has been most stark, most visible since times immemorial. Even today, any attempt by the members of the community to break this fortress is resisted
stark, most visible since times immemorial. Even today, any attempt by the
members of the community to break this fortress is resisted. The Govern-
ments, for instance, keep organizing cultural/ literary events. The Department
of Culture, while organizing dance/musical events, must ensure that there are
Dalit music/ dance groups participating. The Government must make every
effort to encourage SC/ST artists and their art.
61
By the year 2005, no SC/ST school-going age child will be out of School. By 2010, over 80% SC/ST children in the relevant age group will appear in High School Board Exams. The community will be encouraged and assisted forthwith to invest in economically rewarding subjects in higher education.
The Bright Lamp of Education
62
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
63
The educational interests of the SC/STs are being sacrificed at the altar of the so-
called merit. Their children are denied admission into better managed schools and
colleges. What is regrettably forgotten is the fact that even the public/ private schools
too have social responsibilities.
Merit is important and it ought to be taken note of but the comparison cannot
be between unequals. The Supreme Court has held that reservations are not anti-
meritorian. How can one equate the socially and economically disadvantaged sec-
tions with the rich and elite sections? Let there be different criteria for different
groups.
1) A rational system should be devised to determine merit whereby students from
a particular socio-economic background, such as rural-based or SC/ST stu-
dents, are allowed to compete among themselves in entrance/ competitive
examinations, etc.
2) The Centre and states must enact laws making it mandatory for all educational
institutions to admit SC/ST students.
3) There ought to be mandatory set-asides in the education budgets in the states
for SC/ST education. Defaulting states should be punished on the lines pre- scribed in the 73rd and 74th amendments.
Zero Drop-Outs
The biggest challenge in SC/STs’ education is that of Drop Outs, which in
several states can be as high as 80% at high school-level. While several factors
can be listed for this unfortunate phenomenon, the problem of acute poverty can
The Bright Lamp of Education
What is regrettably forgotten is the fact that even the public/ private schools too have social responsibilities
64
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
be held as the most decisive factor. This has been established by various studies.
The same can be substantiated by several other indicators.
For stance, major landmark stages of Drop-Outs are first at Class VI after
passing out of the Primary Stage [I-V], second at IX after passing out VIII, and the
third at XI after passing out of High School. But, the highest rate of Drop Out occurs
while entering class IX.
There is a very peculiar correlation between the age of an SC/ST child at
class VIII, the academic sessions and India’s cropping pattern. At stage VIII, a
child is 14 years old, an age when he can be hired as a child labourer.
In most areas of the countryside, schools open in July, the mid- monsoon
season when paddy is planted. The SC/ST landless agricultural labourers get work
either during the peak of sowing season, or at the peak of the cropping season.
The academic calendar of Indian schools has three landmark stages: enrol-
ment in mid-July, home examinations in mid-December, and final examinations in
April-March, and incidentally, all the three stages coincide with India’s main sow-
ing/ cropping seasons, and these are the times when a landless family pulls all its
labour force to earn grain for the whole year. This phenomenon pulls SC/ST children
away from the school system, never to return again. Several experimentations
have been carried out, including mid-day meals, but without any major success.
Therefore, the Task Force recommends that:
1) Pay compensation to each BPL/ landless SC/ST family for sparing their chil-
dren to attend schools. The rate per-child, per day can be as little as Rs. 2/
during non-cropping/ non-sowing months, and as high as Rs. 4/ during crop-
ping/sowing months. While making this recommendation, we are not totally
unaware of the state’s finances, and hence, would like to append that the Cen-
tral Government can be approached for funds. Unless something of this scale
is adopted, the problem of Drop-Outs will continue to block the expansion of
education amongst SC/ST communities.
Pay compensation to each BPL/ landless SC/ ST family for sparing their children to attend schools
65
At every stage of education, the girl children should be awarded extra- benefits, and BPL/ landless parents should be awarded an extra amount of compensation, if they send their daughters to school
Enrolment
One of the biggest challenges in SC/ST education is that, though now about
80 to 90 per cent students from the community have access to elementary level
schooling facility, and majority of them do get enrolled, the rest 10 to 20 percent,
despite availability of schooling facility fail to enrol.
Recognising the gravity of the problem, where even in the 21st Century,
about 20 per cent children miss enrolment despite access to the school system,
the Task Force recommends the following:
1) Each Panchayat head be made accountable to ensure that each child in the
school-going age, gets enrolled. The Panchayats doing well in this regard may
suitably be rewarded.
Education of Girl Child
Given the existing gender bias in the society, SC/ST parents too tend to
ignore the education of their daughters, which ultimately adds to the backwardness
of the community, the Task Force recommends the following:
1) At every stage of education, the girl children should be awarded extra-benefits,
and BPL/ landless parents should be awarded an extra amount of compensa-
tion, if they send their daughters to school.
Quality Education
There are about 9.58 lakh SC/ST students enrolled for undergraduate courses
(BA/ B.Com/ B.Sc./ B.Ed./ MBBS/ Engineering) in India, in which, 51.25 percent
are Social Sciences/ Humanities. Not many from this background can find any
honourable space in the market economy. Even if the private sector starts hiring
qualified Dalits, the vast majority of educated Dalit youth will be left out. Realising
the requirements of the new emerging market economy, where skilled workforce
will be in high demand, we recommend the following:
1) From a very early stage, SC/ST students should be encouraged to focus more
The Bright Lamp of Education
66
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The State Government should institute 15-20 overseas fellowships for SC/ST students to pursue higher studies abroad
on Science, Maths and English subjects.
2) In each SC/ST hostel, special coaching arrangements be made in order to add
an extra input.
3) The Government should also extend freeship/ scholarship facilities to those
SC/ST students who seek admission in better quality private schools.
4) Private/ Public Schools be persuaded to adopt the policy of admitting SC/ST
students.
Higher Education
Recognising that a mere plus-2 level education does not empower an SC/ST
youth to find space in the market economy, we recommend the following:
1) More SC/ST students should be encouraged to undertake M.Phil/ Ph.D level
studies by providing UGC fellowships to each and every SC/ST student under-
taking these courses, so that they can fill up the college/ university level lec-
tureship positions.
2) The State Government should institute 15-20 overseas fellowships for SC/ST
students to pursue higher studies abroad. Active involvement of international
foundations and charitable bodies may be enlisted so that the financial burden
on the Government may be lessened.
3) Residential schools with adequate infrastructure such as hostels, teaching-
learning material should be set-up at district and block levels for SC/STs.
4) Rates of Post-Matric Scholarship should be raised to realistic levels at which
the student can meet the minimum requirements. The limit of annual family
income for the eligibility of receiving scholarship should also be raised to Rs.
2,00,000/- from the existing Rs. 65,000/. And also link the income limit with the
Consumer Price Index.
5) With the advent of Privatisation, even the government educational institutions
are charging hefty fees from the SC/ST students. No fees should be charged
67
There is a need to prepare the SC/ST youth to enter the market economy
from the SC/ST students by the government institutions and if they do in un-
avoidable circumstances, the Government should have a provision in the bud-
get that the SC/ST welfare department would pay the fees of the SC/ST stu-
dents.
6) If the Central Government does not raise income limit and rates of mainte-
nance allowances, the State Government should raise the same and finance
the expenditure from its own resources.
Professional Education
The importance of technical education and training in various crafts cannot
be underestimated. And as the private sector one day will start practising Work
Force Diversity, there is a need to prepare the SC/ST youth to enter the market
economy. Therefore, the following measures may be considered:
1) More certificate/ diploma level training programmes be opened for SC/ST stu-
dents.
2) That the Supplier Diversity has become a reality, a new type of Business /
Management schools awarding certificate/ diplomas be set up for SC/ST stu-
dents who after high school/ plus-2-levels can be imparted with Business/
Management skills.
3) The NGO sector has emerged as a new discipline all over the globe and has
entered India in a big way. But SC/STs are more often out of it. The government
should set up institutions where SC/ST youth with degree-level education can
learn about this new discipline, and enter the sector.
4) Following initiatives are necessary for capacity building among SC/ST youth:
a) Vocationalisation at school level should be strengthened.
b) Industrial Training Institutes and Polytechnics should be modernised and
should have industry linkages to assess the changing requirements of the
industry and design their curricula accordingly. All the reserved seats in
Engineering, Medical Colleges, Management Courses should be filled.
The Bright Lamp of Education
68
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Considering the psychological disadvantage that the SC/ST students suffer due to the absence of SC/ST teachers in many schools and colleges, we recommend that more and more SC/ST teachers at all levels of education be recruited
More SC/ST Teachers
Considering the psychological disadvantage that the SC/ST students suffer due to
the absence of SC/ST teachers in many schools and colleges, we recommend that
more and more SC/ST teachers at all levels of education be recruited. Introduce
skill-upgrading training programmes for SC/ST teachers.
69
Representation in the government employment, however limited in scope, remains to be the only source of upward mobility for the educated SC/STs. But the way is blocked because of bureaucratic apathy and the shrinking public sector. It is not beyond the competence of the Government to fill all the reserved jobs in all categories and in all departments.
Employment and Representation
70
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
71
The Task Force regrets the fact that even though highly skilled, specialised, edu-
cated SC/ST human resource is available, reservation quotas in the government
jobs have not been filled in Madhya Pradesh and in the rest of the country.
1) Therefore, it is recommended that a special drive be undertaken to fill the
backlog quota, especially in the educational institutions and universities. A
continuous review on the filling up of backlog posts should be put in place.
2) The state should strengthen the existing mechanism to safeguard the genuine
interests of the SC/ST employees who confront myriad forms of discrimination
in promotions, transfers, etc.
3) The state should send a strong recommendation to the Central Government on
the implementation of reservations for SC/STs at all levels of judiciary and that
they should ensure representation of these sections in higher judiciary through
quota.
4) Despite the proven valour and martial qualities of Dalits in the East India Com-
pany and British Indian Armies, the SCs and STs have been kept out of the
defence forces and were denied a guaranteed quota. The State Government
should recommend to the Government of India to introduce reservations for
SCs and STs at all levels in Defence Forces so that these communities will
perform their duties as defenders of the unity and integrity of the country.
5) General Administration Department of the State Government should prepare a
status paper on reservations and results thereof during the past 25 years and
place it before the State Assembly. While preparing the status paper various
measures taken to fill the backlog posts should also be reviewed.
Employment and Representation
A continuous review on the filling up of backlog posts should be put in place
72
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The SC/STs should be protected from the downsizing exercise by Central and State Governments
6) The Centre and other states should pass a special legislation on the lines of
the Madhya Pradesh Reservation Act (Act 21 of 1994, the Madhya Pradesh
Lok Seva (Anusuchit Jatiyon, Anusuchit Jan Jatiyon Aur Anya Pichhade Vargon
Ke Liye Arakshan) Adiniyam, 1994 as amended in 2002) and earnestly imple-
ment the same.
7) The SC/STs should be protected from the downsizing exercise by Central and
State Governments due to the stipulations of the World Bank, IMF, etc., since
they are the major losers as the employment opportunities shrink in the post-
liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation scenario.
73
Dalit rights are Human Rights. It is the responsibility of both the State and the society to see that the SC/STs, like rest of the population, lead their lives with dignity and without fear. Dalit Human Rights will remain a dream as long as their material conditions are not improved.
Dalit Rights are Human Rights
74
The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
75
Atrocities
1) Recognize Dalits’ Rights as Human Rights. Effectively implement in spirit and
action the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and rules and hand over the
responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the Act to the state/ national
SC/ST commissions. The conviction rate should be improved and speedy pros-
ecution of offenders should be done. In the cases of non-conviction by the trial
court of atrocities, the state may file appeal to the High Court. Deterrent action
u/s 4 of the Act must be taken.
2) Impose collective fine for social boycott on the SC/STs and for the practice of
untouchability.
3) Afford full protection to all Dalits participating in the Panchayat Raj Institutions
and other democratic institutions in the country.
4) Appoint special courts and special prosecutors to speedily try the cases under
the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In the cases falling under the Act, the
state should file civil suits on behalf of the victims for compensation against
the accused persons.
5) Regarding the atrocities emanating from the land, it should be mandatory for
the state/ police to register cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities)
Act as well as other revenue laws.
6) The Government should review the cases of atrocities in which the prosecution
failed and determine the reasons. If the failure is due to technicalities or legal
loopholes the same may be rectified. If the failure is due to the laxity of inves-
tigating officer, suitable punishment should be awarded to him.
Dalit Rights are Human Rights
Regarding the atrocities emanating from the land, it should be mandatory for the state/ police to register cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as well as other revenue laws
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
7) The best and eminent lawyers should be engaged in the cases of atrocities.
There should be a quarterly review of lawyers’ performance in these cases.
8) Undertake mass-scale public awareness campaign and educational initiatives,
with the active support of NGOs and other segments of civil society, in order to
promote positive changes in attitudes towards and within communities dis-
criminated against on the basis of work and descent-based discrimination, for
which the necessary budget allocation should be earmarked.
9) Authorities should ensure free and fair entry of all persons in all religious places.
10) The primary health centres, information centres, government schools must be
named after Babasaheb Ambedkar and Birsa Munda. They can be started in
remote areas by providing 2-3 beds and necessary medicines so that they can
cater to the needs of the community.
11) The State Government should ensure that the annual report of the State SC/
ST Commission is tabled without delay before the Legislative Assembly. The
annual report should contain a memorandum of action taken on the advice
tendered by the Commission and the reasons for the non-acceptance, if any, of
any such advice, and the audit report, The annual report and action taken
reports, after debate in the Assembly, be made public through print and elec-
tronic media within 6 months of the debate and also appropriate action taken
on these reports within the same time-frame.
The Bonded Labour System
1) The bonded labour system is also a crime under the provisions of the SC/ST
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act if the bonded labourers are SC/STs, and there-
fore cases against the employers of such bonded labour should be registered
under the Act. The state must call for a meeting of all the NGOs in the areas
that have been identified as bonded labour-sensitive areas and take their as-
sistance to identify and rehabilitate the bonded labourers. Since the Govern-
ment does not have latest/ authentic information on this savage system, an
outside agency like the Babasaheb Ambedkar Institute of Social Sciences,
The best and eminent lawyers should be engaged in the cases of atrocities. There should be a quarterly review of lawyers’ performance in these cases
77
All bonded labourers should be distributed with surplus grazing and cultivable land along with financial aid to improve the land
Mhow should be entrusted with the responsibility of conducting surveys to
measure the problem at hand.
2) All bonded labourers – who are also landless agricultural labourers — should
be distributed with surplus grazing and cultivable land along with financial aid
to improve the land.
3) The strict implementation of the Minimum Wage Act may be done in order to
discourage bonded labour system. An amendment to section 20 of the Act
may be proposed for disposal within 3 months of cases related to non-pay-
ment/ less-payment of wages. Another amendment to the same act may be
proposed for payment of wages of more than one month through bank cheque
provided labour continue to work for one month or more.
4) Traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are
prohibited as per the provisions of Article 23 of the Constitution of India. For
implementation of this provision, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act,
1976 was enacted. An amendment to the Act may be proposed for submission
of written information to concerned gram panchayat / local body/ labour office/
SDM for employment of the outside labourer by any employer. An amendment
to section-18 of the Act may be proposed for increase of fine from Rs. 2,000/-
to Rs. 20,000/- and payment to the bonded labourer may be made as per the
rates decided by the State Government instead of Rs. 5/- per day. This amend-
ment is necessary because the fine of Rs. 2,000/- and payment to bonded
labourer at the rate of Rs 5/- per day have not been revised since the enact-
ment of this Act. Another amendment (to section-26 of the Act) is essential for
vesting of powers in the State Governments also to make rules. Otherwise the
Government of India may expand the scope of rules in order to accommodate
the proposals of the State Governments.
5) The offenders under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 should
be punished under Section 4 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act if the
offences fall under the purview of this Act.
Dalit Rights are Human Rights
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
The National Commission for Safai Karmacharis (NCSK) must induct at least one representative from the manual scavenging community as a full- time member
The Scourge Of Manual Scavenging
1) The manual scavenging system must be stopped immediately by converting
all dry latrines into pour-flush latrines and rehabilitate all manual scavengers in
dignified professions by imparting them proper vocational training. It should be
the responsibility of the Government to provide alternate professions to manual
scavengers and support them and their families financially until they settle in
the new professions.
2) The State Government should recommend to the Centre to introduce much
needed amendments to the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construc-
tion of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.
3) The National Commission for Safai Karmacharis (NCSK) must induct at least
one representative from the manual scavenging community as a full-time mem-
ber.
4) Private dry latrines cleaning system too has to be prevented.
5) The practice of manually cleaning human excreta in railways should be stopped
immediately.
Miscellaneous
1) Eminent Lawyers may be appointed to the lawyers’ panel so that proper legal
advice may be made available to SC/STs and women.
2) The police should leave the matter whether the crime committed is a crime or
not to the court and not judge themselves. They should strictly follow the es-
tablished procedure on every complaint and conduct investigation according to
the law.
3) Each AJK (SC/ST) Police Station should have a vehicle for mobility in the
area.
4) Post of SP, AJK may be sanctioned in each Police Range so that supervision
of inquiries into atrocities on SC/STs may be done effectively.
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Because of the paucity of DSP-rank officers for investigating into the cases of atrocities, inspector-level officers should be given one- step higher pay scale of DSP to fill the gap in the availability of DSP- level officers
5) Minimum two years tenure may be fixed for the officers who have been posted
in AJK.
6) Because of the paucity of DSP-rank officers for investigating into the cases of
atrocities, inspector-level officers should be given one-step higher pay scale of
DSP to fill the gap in the availability of DSP-level officers.
7) Mahila Police Stations may be sanctioned and established in balance districts
in Madhya Pradesh so that speedy investigation and presentation of cases in
courts may be facilitated.
Dalit Rights are Human Rights
The Government’s approach towards SC/ST welfare is a story of inadequate fund-allocations, non-spending of whatever little allocated and diversion of funds which harm their interests. Instead, the Government’s financial commitment for the development of the community should match the magnitude of the problem. The Budget
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
83
1) It should be mandatory by law for both the Centre and states that they set-
aside a minimum of funds proportionate to the population of SC/STs for their
development.
2) The central ministries should issue general guidelines and list-out eligible
schemes leaving the details to the State Governments for their implementa-
tion. The idea of ‘Block Grants’ and ‘United Funds’ should be given serious
consideration in which funds should be allotted to the states based on their SC/
ST population.
3) The welfare department should be given full autonomy in the selection of
schemes, dove-tailing of funds with schemes of other departments, allocation
of funds, revision of schemes keeping in view the changing trends/ require-
ments/ demands and diversion of funds from one scheme to the other within
the overall budgetary set-aside. The Allocation of Business Rules should be
amended accordingly. Such autonomy to welfare department will bear fruit and
will make a difference to the condition of the SC/STs.
The Budget
It should be mandatory by law for both the Centre and states that they set-aside a minimum of funds proportionate to the population of SC/STs for their development.
The Revolution in the fields of Information Technology and computers is almost passing the SC/ STs by. There is a need to narrow the Digital Divide so as to bring the fruits of scientific advancement to the poorest of the poor. Encourage the community to take part in the IT revolution and use IT for the betterment of their lives. The Information Society
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
87
The arrival of the information age is fast creating a digital divide of the technology
access between the haves and have-nots. The Government should step in to bridge
this divide and ensure that the vulnerable sections of the society such as the SC/
STs are not left out. They also should have the right to information regarding their
welfare.
1) The Government should introduce full and part-time diploma courses in IT and
computers for the SC/STs at district-level.
2) Where appropriate, the SC/ST students should be financially helped to enroll in
the private computer/ IT institutes.
3) Access to information and transparency are crucial for any programmes to
succeed. Compilation of data-bases on the community and their dissemination
can be accomplished with the help of IT.
4) STD booths have given employment to thousands of unemployed youth.
Awarding of IT kiosks can be a source of revenue for unemployed SC/ST
youth.
The Information Society
The Government should step in to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the vulnerable sections of the society such as the SC/STs are not left out
What started on January 12-13, 2002 in Bhopal is nothing short of a revolution. It is the best example of a people-oriented and responsive administration. With the submission of this report and its acceptance (hopefully) by the government, the second phase of that revolution is about to begin. Much of its success or failure will depend on how the policies emanating from the Bhopal Conference are institutionalised in formal legislation, in creating needed institutions and by allocating resources sufficient to make the revolution vibrant and permanent.
Institutionalising the Gains
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
91
1) Include in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution all acts, rules, regulations,
etc., which are designed to safeguard the interests of the SC/STs so that
lengthy litigation could not be resorted to to deny them of their rights.
2) The Planning Commission and the planning boards in the states should have a
Vice-Chairman and one member each from these sections to safeguard their
interests.
3) SC/ST welfare department should be entrusted with the responsibility to take
all policy decisions regarding the administration of development programmes
including budgeting of funds, making and release of allocations for development
schemes; and powers to review, monitor and supervise the implementation of
all the programmes for SC/STs.
4) Give more teeth to the SC and ST Commission whose advice is final and
binding in all cases which are brought to its notice. The Commission should be
given powers to award punishment in case of non-compliance, including the
issuance of summons and non-bailable warrants.
5) The officers implementing schemes for the benefit of SC/STs should be
sensitized about the problems of the community through training.
6) The Presidential Order, 1950 on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes be amended
to include migrant SC/STs as a separate group in the list. All concessions
extended to these groups by the individual states/ UTs shall be on first
preference to the castes/ tribes as per the Presidential Order, 1950. The migrant
SC/STs shall have a second preference only after the first preference claims
have been attended to.
Institutionalising the Gains
Give more teeth to the SC and ST Commission whose advice is final and binding in all cases which are brought to its notice
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
7) It is also recommended that the revolution of social justice and empowerment
initiated at the ‘Bhopal Conference’ should be a continuing process. The
submission of the Task Force Report and its acceptance by the Government
are just part of that revolution. More deserves to be done to make it a dynamic
example of people-government interface for development. Towards this end, a
Permanent Monitoring Body may be set-up, constituting senior officials and a
few members of the Task Force.
A Permanent Monitoring Body may be set-up, constituting senior officials and a few members of the Task Force
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Members of the Task Force
A P P E N D I X
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
95
Members of the Task Force
MINISTERS/ OFFICIAL MEMBERS
Ms Vijaya Lakshmi Sahdo Minister, Scheduled Caste Welfare
Mrs Urmila Singh Minister, Scheduled Tribe Welfare
Col. Ajay Narayan Mushran Minister, Finance
Shri Ghanshyam Patidar Minister of State, General Administration
Shri A.V.Singh, IAS Chief Secretary
Shri Rakesh Sahni, IAS Secretary, Welfare, Member Secretary
Shri Sudeep Banerjee, IAS Principal Secretary, Finance
Shri Ranbir Singh, IAS Principal Secretary, General Administration
Dr. Amar Singh, IAS Secretary to the Chief Minister
Shri Sewa Ram, IAS Commissioner, Scheduled Tribe Welfare
Shri M.K.Singh, IAS Director, Scheduled Caste Development
EXPERT MEMBERS
Shri Chandra Bhan Prasad Consulting Editor, The Pioneer, New Delhi
Shri Raja Sekhar Vundru, IAS Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment New Delhi
Shri D.Shyam Babu Fellow, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies New Delhi
CHAIRMAN
Shri Digvijay Singh Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Prof. Mrinal Miri Vice-Chancellor, NEHU, Shillong
Prof. Ram Dayal Munda Former Vice-Chancellor, Ranchi University Ranchi
Prof. Virginius Xa Xa Department of Sociology Delhi School of Economics Delhi
Ms.Teesta Setalvad Editor, Communalism Combat Mumbai
SPECIAL INVITEES
Prof. Balachandra Mungekar Vice-Chancellor, Mumbai University Mumbai
Prof. G.Nanchariah Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ambedkar Central University Lucknow
Prof. K.S.Chalam Director, Academic Staff College Visakhapatnam
Prof. S.K.Thorat School of Social Sciences Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
Prof. Tulsi Ram School of International Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
Prof. Kancha Iliah Osmania University Hyderabad
Dr. Gail Omvedt Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library New Delhi
Prof. Tiplut Nongbri School of Social Sciences Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
Shri Martin Macwan Navsarjan Trust Ahmedabad
Shri Paul Divakar Dalit Human Rights Campaign Secunderabad
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Members of the Task Force
Shri M.Lakshmiah Fellow, Centre for Dalit Studies Hyderabad
Ms. Meenakshi Nath Social Activist New Delhi
Dr. K.S.Chauhan Advocate, Supreme Court New Delhi
SPECIAL INVITEES TO SUB-COMMITTEES
Ms. Ruth Manorama Dalit Women Initiative Bangalore
Shri Velappan Karuppan, IAS (Retd.) Panchama Land Chennai
Shri R.K.Nayak, IAS (Retd.) Kharavel Nagar Bhubaneshwar
Shri Narendra Kumar, IAS Excise Commissioner Delhi
Shri Rajeshwar Rangari IT Officer, Bank of Baroda Ahmedabad
Dr. Yashadatta S. Alone Department of Fine Arts Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra
Dr. A.L.Kanedi Ambedkar Central University Lucknow
Shri M.M.Upadhyay, IAS Commissioner, Jabalpur
Mrs Neelam Rao, IAS Collector, Guna
Shri Rajesh Rajora, IAS Collector, Balaghat
Shri M. A. Khan, IAS Commissioner, Urban Development
Shri K. Suresh, IAS Commissioner, Industries
COORDINATORS OF SUB COMMITTEES
Land and Common Property Resources Shri S.S.Wankhade, IAS Secretary, Revenue
Shri Satya Prakash, IAS Commissioner, Bhopal
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The Task Force Report on Bhopal Declaration
Tribal Affairs Dr. Balwan Singh Additional Commissioner Tribal Development
Civil and Human Rights Shri S.S.Uppal, IAS Secretary, Home
Diversity Shri Sewa Ram, IAS Commissioner, Scheduled Tribes Welfare
Employment and Representation Dr. Parasuram, IAS Secretary, Human Resource Development
Education Shri D.P.Dube, IAS Commissioner, Education
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