|
Central Govt pledges help for Dalit Christians |
|
|
|
|
Written by Correspondent
|
|
Monday, 17 December 2007 |
|
 New Delhi: The National Coordination Committee for Dalit Christians - a joint programme of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and other Church groups - has hailed the Government’s assurance to end the discrimination against Dalit Christians.
Home Minister Shivraj Patil told Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil, the President of the Bishops' Council for Kerala, that the Federal Government was initiating steps to end the discrimination against Dalit Christians. “The entire Christian community would be grateful (to the Government) if it acts swiftly in the coming months,” said the Church Groups in response to the minister’s promise. 'Dalit' (meaning "trampled upon" in Sanskrit) refers to the groups traditionally treated as "untouchables" under the caste system in India. In the past Dalits were restricted to degrading forms of employment, and discrimination still continues.
While Dalit Hindus were made eligible in 1950 to free education and reservation in government jobs to improve their social status, these benefits were extended to Dalit Sikhs in 1956 and Dalit Buddhists in 1990. However, the Christian demand for the same rights for the Dalits - who accounts for two-thirds of 27 million Christians in India - have been ignored for decades. (Source: catholicworldnews.com, 17 December 2007) |
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 20 November 2009 )
|
News