Source:  www.assistnews.net

Date:  2007-11-28

Dalit Christians Still Denied Government Benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From Dalit Freedom Network
In association with A.I.C.C./SC-ST Federations
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Benjamin Marsh
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For immediate release

NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- The Supreme Court of India today adjourned its hearing on the Dalit Christians' demand for full Constitutional rights as the Indian Government once again failed to disclose its response, saying it had not yet from the National Scheduled Caste Commission.

The Supreme Court will now take up the writ appeal challenging the Presidential order limiting Reservation rights to Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist Dalits after Christmas.

The adjournment came after Gopal Subramanium, the Additional Solicitor General for the Indian government, told the court that the United Progressive Alliance Government led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had yet not yet received a report on Dalit Christian Reservation from the National Scheduled Caste Commission.

The Commission is itself considering an earlier report by former Chief Justice Ranganath Misra who recommended that Christian and Muslim Dalit coverts be given the same privileges accorded those of their community who had become Sikhs, Buddhists or Hindus.

When the Indian Constitution became law on 26th January 1950, all Dalits, irrespective of religious identity, were given legal protection and benefits, including job and education reservations, to help them rise from 3,000 years of Caste abuse. A 1950 Presidential Order limited these rights to those who identified themselves as Hindus. Buddhists, and Sikhs, considered by the government as traditional Indian religions, were added later.

National Integration Council member Dr. John Dayal said, "These seem to be dilatory tactics. This entire process of referring the issue to various commissions has taken more a year. If the government wants it and has the political will, it can change the law and restore full rights to Dalit Christians."

Dr. Joseph D'souza, President of All India Christian Council, said, "The demand for scheduled caste status for Dalit Christians appeals to fundamental rights. The Dalit status before the 1950 Presidential Order must be restored back to all Dalits unconditionally and irrespective of religion."

The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia.org), birthed in 1998, exists, to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

The Dalit Freedom Network's mission is to partner with the Dalits (India's Untouchables) in their quest for religious freedom, social justice, and human dignity by mobilizing human, informational, and financial resources. Their website is: www.dalitnetwork.org