The Dalits are mostly poor, landless, they are recognized as a lower caste people in our society.
a. Pre-Independence and post-independence have a long history of discrimination done towards the Dalits; they are treated as untouchables.
b. They are considered to be so ‘impure’ that it is considered that their mere touch severely pollutes members of all other castes.
c. They are not allowed to enter in some of the temples by the priests.
d. Prohibited from eating with other members of other castes.
e. Prohibited from marrying other upper caste members.
f. Bonded labor.
g. Their occupation is decided by their caste.
h. Untouchability does not offer equal opportunity to these people and thus hinders the progress of society.
i. The untouchables are treated in an unfair manner, and many times their entry at certain places like temples, etc. are also denied.
j. Treating them in such a way is a disrespect towards the Constitution which focuses on communal harmony and brotherhood.
k. Example: The manual scavenging is done by only the lower caste people.
