Caste Discrimination is the real hindrance to overall SC upliftment-Dr. Sukhadeo Thorat
Pune, September 27, 2018: Today, due to reservation, persons belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) can access quality education and good jobs, but they still face discrimination in the society. Caste Discrimination is the real hindrance to their overall upliftment, said Dr. Sukhadeo Thorat, former chairman of University Grants Commission and Professor Emeritus, Centre for Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Dr. Thorat was in the city to deliver a lecture on ‘Dalits in India: Search for a Common Destiny’ at a programme organised by Pune International Centre (PIC) recently. Prof. Rajas Parchure Officiating Director, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) chaired the program, and Dr. Vijay Kelkar, Vice President, PIC and Prashant Girbane, Honorary Director, PIC were also present on the occasion.
Dr. Thorat highlighted that lack of fundamental resources like education, health, employment and social treatment are prime problems for non-development of the Dalit class. It is observed that even while considering other factors like per capita income, poverty, malnutrition, civil services, education and jobs, the SC are the most backward. Also, generational poverty, non-availability of education and property rights, unorganized sector employment or irregular employment are also the reasons for their current situation and economic inequality.
Speaking of the reservations by Maharashtra state government, Dr. Thorat said, “While giving job opportunities in the government sector under reservation, it is appreciable that the representation of Schedule Castes is in proportion to that of higher castes and other backward classes.This has given positive results. But, due to lack of reservation in the private sector and limited number of government jobs, the opportunities have been limitedand hence the citizens of Scheduled Castes are still the most in the unorganized sector.”
Dr.Thorat said that above all, the development of the people in SC group is comparatively lesser than other upper classes and the challenge of social, cultural and economic issues is huge.
“While the government has certainly scored well on implementing the policy of reservation, growth cannot trickle down to poor through employment alone. For overall inclusive growth the policies that are framed and implemented by the government need to be more pro-poor,” stated Dr. Thorat.
He further said that today the privatization of education is on the rise with high costs, which is beyond the scope of the citizens of SC. So, if this privatisation increases further, we will have to suffer the consequences.
