News Reports
UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA, July 12, 2003: Discrimination against Dalits (“Untouchables”) continues to escalate in the state by as much as 30% a year. In actual numbers, this means that the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes Commission receives about 1,200-1,400 complaints annually about atrocities and discrimination against Dalits. The Dalits themselves hoped to receive an improvement of their condition when Mayawati, a Dalit, became Chief Minister. Her party, the BSP, depends on votes from Dalits. However, even last year, when Dalits refused to work in fields owned by upper castes, men and women were beaten and one person was killed. Many are now homeless as they fear returning to their homes.