Memorandum submitted by Dalit Solidarity
Network (UK)
Introduction
The Dalit Solidarity Network was set up in 1998,
in response to increasing concern about the effects of caste discrimination
in India, Nepal and the other countries of South Asia. The International
Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) was set up in March 2000, it operates
from an office in Copenhagen with two staff and 'Dalit Solidarity
Networks' in ten countries. The DSN (UK) has a part-time Co-ordinator.
It is the DSN's strongly held view that any attempt to affect
poverty in India needs to ensure that caste discrimination is
addressed. Clear evidence for this can be found in the Papers
published by DFID India in June 2003 "Social Exclusion and
Poverty in India", in the paper on "Caste, Economic
Exclusion and Poverty" by Professor S.K. Thorat. This demonstrates
the crucial influence of caste on maintaining the poverty of the
17% Dalit and 8% tribal peoples throughout India. Unless development
programmes address caste they will make insufficient impact on
poverty in India, and render impossible attainment of the MDGs.
The paragraph numbers below correspond with the
numbering set out in the Terms of Reference for this inquiry.
The Case for Aid to India
1/2. There is a strong
rationale for aid to India. Although there is considerable wealth
in the country, it also needs actively to be encouraged towards
a fairer distribution of wealth. DSN believes the present size
of resource transfer is about right. It should however increase
if the political and economic circumstances change. It is good
to focus in the four priority States, but our development programme
could and should expand beyond these in the right circumstances.
Partnerships, etc.
4. DFIDI is becoming more
focused on the most marginalized groups, although we would argue
this should be done more quickly. It is important to engage with
civil society, but also to challenge state and government authorities
over caste discrimination. It should encourage the Indian Government
to fully implement the Prevention of Atrocities Act (1989) and
the related Rules (1995).
5. DSN believes that the
greatest threat to the success of the CAP is caste discrimination.
Gender is a major concern also, but caste is an important dimension
of gender. Dalit women are the most discriminated against. It
is important to tackle HIV/AIDS, but caste is again a factor as
a disproportionate number of those affected are Dalits. This is
due to the ongoing practice of devadasi and 'jogini' women (or
temple prostitutes). This practice, and that of "manual scavenging"
- cleaning out the dry toilets and sewers - undertaken by millions
of Dalits, should be challenged at every opportunity.
Aid Instruments/Governance and Political Will
12. Clearly DFIDI has
to tread a careful line between acknowledgement of the central
role of the state and government authorities in India and the
need to address structures of discrimination, including caste.
There may need to be a greater political willingness to address
the Government of India (and the governments of the other South
Asian countries) on caste discrimination. This can be done in
the context of "the UK also has problems of discrimination,
which we are trying to address, why do we not work together on
dealing with structures of discrimination"? The new Government
just elected in India is likely to be more sympathetic to addressing
caste discrimination than the previous administration.
Economic Development
13. Present forms of economic
development in India are in great danger of bypassing the poorest.
The processes of privatisation are decreasing the importance of
the Reservation system, which does at least give job opportunities
for some Dalits. Economic growth is hindered by the deep-rooted
discrimination that exists in India in terms of caste. Professor
Thorat of the International Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS)
is producing a Paper on this topic, DSN will submit this to the
Committee when it becomes available.
14. Trading Partners and
Foreign Investors can play a very important role both in developing
the economy and in tackling discrimination, by gender or caste.
The DSN is engaging with businesses based in the UK which are
investing in India, and with interested Trades Unions, to develop
"Employment Principles for Foreign Investors" in India
and other countries of South Asia. These would be based on the
kind of employment principles evolved to tackle racial discrimination
in South Africa, the US and indeed the UK.
Recommendations
1. DFID should ensure that challenging caste discrimination
is an integral part of all aspects of its aid programme to India.
2. DFID should take every opportunity to raise
the issue of caste with the Indian authorities, recognising it
is a deep-rooted problem and the UK has problems of discrimination,
and encourage the Indian authorities to maximise the use of laws
against atrocities, manual scavenging, devadasis and other shameful
practices.
3. DFID should play a role through its own employment
policies and those of British companies investing in India to
ensure non-discriminatory employment principles are adopted by
all those engaged in employment in India.
May 2004
| 
