Caste is most often seen through the prism of conflict—the heated national debates about reservations, the political polarization on the census and the attacks on young couples that have been blessed by caste panchayats.
But far away from the spotlight, there is the more benign world of organizations and activists who continue to nurture informal networks based on caste, to help fledgeling businesses, build educational institutions and promote philanthropy.
Caste continues to puzzle and infuriate many modernizers, but the institution has survived and changed in the six decades after independence even as it continues to whip up passions that can split most political parties down the middle.
At the same time, analysts feel that the caste organizations’ co-option into politics and vice-versa has led to trivialization of the groups’ roles such as their activities remaining limited to distributing medals and organizing dinners to community members
1. That this is a petition lodged under Article 32 of the Constitution of India for enforcement of the fundamental rights of the petitioners community enshrined under Article 14,15,16,21,26 and their constitutional rights enshrined under Article 341 of the Constitution of India by challenging the vires and constitutionalism of the para 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled caste ) Order, 1950. This order, issued under Article 341 of the Constitution is discriminatory on the ground of religion in that certain Hindu castes have been declared as the Scheduled Castes whereas their Muslim counterparts have been discriminated and denied the status of Scheduled Casts.
The issue of reservation in jobs and educational institutions on the basis of religion is again under scanner after the publication of the Ranganath Mishra Commission report and the interim order of the Supreme Court in the Andhra Pradesh case, providing for reservation for the backward Muslims.
The constitutional mandate is clear. It enjoins equality before the law and leaves no scope for discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. Further, it provides for affirmative action for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including a provision for reservation of jobs in the favour of backward classes which, in the opinion of the state, is not adequately represented in the services under the state.
The tabling of the Report of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM), popularly called the Ranganath Mishra Commission report, in the Parliament recently has led to animated debates and mobilisations around the issue of reservations for the Muslim community. Within the Muslim community, there are two contending strands of opinions around this issue of reservations for the Muslim community. Within the Muslim community, there are two contending strands of opinions around this issue. The first group employs the discourse of ‘minority rights' and inter-group inequality to argue its position for reservation for the entire ‘community' (though complicated by the creamy layer provision).
INDIAN DALIT MUSLIMS’ VOICE
www.dalitmsulims.com
BY: MOHAMMAD SHAHANSHAH ANSARI
Indian Dalit Muslims’ Voice (IDMV) was launched on July 22, 2008 to provide a platform to discuss issues concerning India’s Dalit Muslims. The main objective of IDMV is to secure a constitutional amendment for the inclusion of Dalit Muslims in the SC/ST category, a right which is denied to them under a Presidential order of 1950.
IDMV’s Aims and Objectives:
· We demand a constitutional amendment for the inclusion of Dalit Muslims in the SC/ST category, which is presently denied to them under a Presidential order 1950. This order, issued under Article 341 of the Constitution, is discriminatory on the ground of religion in that certain Hindu castes have been declared as Scheduled Castes whereas their Muslim counterparts have been discriminated against and denied the status of Scheduled Castes. This is an open violation of Articles 14 (equality before the law), 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion) and 25 (freedom to profess and practice any religion) of the Constitution.
· We call for the issuing of a writ mandamus commanding the Union of India to identify and include the Muslim Arzals or Muslim Dalit groups such as like Nutt, Bakkho, Bhatiyara, Kunjra, Dhunia, Kalal, Dafali, Halakhor, Dhobi, Lalbegi, Gorkan, Meershikar, Cheek, Rangrz, Darji, Mochis, Mukris and Garudis etc. in the category of Scheduled Castes mentioned in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
· Although Islam and Christianity do not recognise the caste system, unlike Hinduism, the reality is that caste and caste-based discrimination prevail amongst India’s Muslims and Christians also, with a difference in degree. The position of Dalit Muslims is no better than that of the Dalit Hindus. Except for congregational prayers, they remain ostracized and isolated. They are economically very poor. Educationally, they are extremely marginalised. Socially, they are despised, humiliated and looked down upon. In some places, the general Muslims hesitate to share food with them even during festivals like Eid. We demand that the Govt. of India take appropriate measures to stop this practice of untouchability that the Dalit Muslims are made a victim of.
· Political empowerment for Dalit /OBC Muslims is the need of the hour. For this, we demand that the Govt. of India ensure their adequate representation in various Commissions, Govt. Organizations and in Muslim Organizations. Secular parties must give tickets to them so that their voices can be heard in the corridor of power. Emphasis should be given on due representation of Dalit and OBC Muslims in all respects and in all walks of life.
· We strive persistently for getting reservation for Dalit Muslims and OBC Muslims separately. The Central as well as State governments should be forced to amend the Constitution and pass suitable legislation for this. A clear and strong stand should be followed on the Reservation issue. We should not be confused and misguided by others with the false argument that the unity among Muslims will be harmed by reservations for Dalit Muslims. It should be clear that the foundation of Unity does not exist at all when a major chunk of people suffer from socio-economic, educational and political backwardness. These issues are sensitive and should not be compromised on.
· For promoting the education and health of the Dalit and OBC Muslims, new government-funded development projects are necessary, for generally the existing projects and schemes leave them out. A separate quota for these groups must be set aside and adhered to strictly.
· Steps should be taken to put an end to the caste system among Muslims and encourage inter-caste marriages. Islam gives equal status to women. This must also be put into practice and suitable social reforms be instituted to undo the damage of patriarchy.
· To provide a definite and explicit voice to the Indian Dalit Muslims by articulating their concerns and distress and promoting their growth and development while synchronizing and maintaining a harmonious relationship with all other Indians.
· To establish a true and genuine Indian Dalit Muslim standpoint on various matters of concern on the national front.
To galvanise support for, and awareness about, these issues we have launched a website www.dalitmuslims.com You are invited to send us articles and comments on any issues concerning the Dalit and OBC Muslims of India. For any queries regarding posting of articles relating to Dalit and OBC Muslims on this website, please contact us on dalitmuslims@gmail.com or Shahanshah.java@gmail.com.
www.dalitmsulims.com
BY: MOHAMMAD SHAHANSHAH ANSARI
Indian Dalit Muslims’ Voice (IDMV) was launched on July 22, 2008 to provide a platform to discuss issues concerning India’s Dalit Muslims. The main objective of IDMV is to secure a constitutional amendment for the inclusion of Dalit Muslims in the SC/ST category, a right which is denied to them under a Presidential order of 1950.
IDMV’s Aims and Objectives:
· We demand a constitutional amendment for the inclusion of Dalit Muslims in the SC/ST category, which is presently denied to them under a Presidential order 1950. This order, issued under Article 341 of the Constitution, is discriminatory on the ground of religion in that certain Hindu castes have been declared as Scheduled Castes whereas their Muslim counterparts have been discriminated against and denied the status of Scheduled Castes. This is an open violation of Articles 14 (equality before the law), 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion) and 25 (freedom to profess and practice any religion) of the Constitution.
· We call for the issuing of a writ mandamus commanding the Union of India to identify and include the Muslim Arzals or Muslim Dalit groups such as like Nutt, Bakkho, Bhatiyara, Kunjra, Dhunia, Kalal, Dafali, Halakhor, Dhobi, Lalbegi, Gorkan, Meershikar, Cheek, Rangrz, Darji, Mochis, Mukris and Garudis etc. in the category of Scheduled Castes mentioned in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
· Although Islam and Christianity do not recognise the caste system, unlike Hinduism, the reality is that caste and caste-based discrimination prevail amongst India’s Muslims and Christians also, with a difference in degree. The position of Dalit Muslims is no better than that of the Dalit Hindus. Except for congregational prayers, they remain ostracized and isolated. They are economically very poor. Educationally, they are extremely marginalised. Socially, they are despised, humiliated and looked down upon. In some places, the general Muslims hesitate to share food with them even during festivals like Eid. We demand that the Govt. of India take appropriate measures to stop this practice of untouchability that the Dalit Muslims are made a victim of.
· Political empowerment for Dalit /OBC Muslims is the need of the hour. For this, we demand that the Govt. of India ensure their adequate representation in various Commissions, Govt. Organizations and in Muslim Organizations. Secular parties must give tickets to them so that their voices can be heard in the corridor of power. Emphasis should be given on due representation of Dalit and OBC Muslims in all respects and in all walks of life.
· We strive persistently for getting reservation for Dalit Muslims and OBC Muslims separately. The Central as well as State governments should be forced to amend the Constitution and pass suitable legislation for this. A clear and strong stand should be followed on the Reservation issue. We should not be confused and misguided by others with the false argument that the unity among Muslims will be harmed by reservations for Dalit Muslims. It should be clear that the foundation of Unity does not exist at all when a major chunk of people suffer from socio-economic, educational and political backwardness. These issues are sensitive and should not be compromised on.
· For promoting the education and health of the Dalit and OBC Muslims, new government-funded development projects are necessary, for generally the existing projects and schemes leave them out. A separate quota for these groups must be set aside and adhered to strictly.
· Steps should be taken to put an end to the caste system among Muslims and encourage inter-caste marriages. Islam gives equal status to women. This must also be put into practice and suitable social reforms be instituted to undo the damage of patriarchy.
· To provide a definite and explicit voice to the Indian Dalit Muslims by articulating their concerns and distress and promoting their growth and development while synchronizing and maintaining a harmonious relationship with all other Indians.
· To establish a true and genuine Indian Dalit Muslim standpoint on various matters of concern on the national front.
To galvanise support for, and awareness about, these issues we have launched a website www.dalitmuslims.com You are invited to send us articles and comments on any issues concerning the Dalit and OBC Muslims of India. For any queries regarding posting of articles relating to Dalit and OBC Muslims on this website, please contact us on dalitmuslims@gmail.com or Shahanshah.java@gmail.com.
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8 comments: on "IDMV : Aims and Objectives"
Aims and Objectives are really thought provoking.
We Dalits/OBCs must give more emphasis on our political and educational empowerment, other things will automatically follow.
Wish you good luck. Keep rocking....
~Sahil Alam, Delhi
Brother,
IDMV team is doing wonderful work and I am very thankful to you all for creating such a useful website which enable us informed and remind us our duty towards our community.
Kamruddin Rain,
Mau, U.P.
Dear Bhai,
I guess we have missed a very important objective which is Dalit-Muslims Unity.
Kindly include this also in our Aims and Objectives.
Thanks,
Sahil Alam, Delhi
Sahil Bhai,
ASK
Thanks for bringing this to our notice. Dalit-Muslims Unity is our Aim since beginning. We will include it soon in our list.
Thanks again for your kind concern.
Mohammad Shahanshah Ansari
Today I saw the site of Indian Dalit Muslim Voice (IDMV) really the objectives are very provoking. We the Dalits/SC's of Pakistan also fighting for our Rights since last 200 years from the Jotiba phulay, Shahu Maharaj, Shivaji, and the great Dalit leader Dr Bheem Rao Ambedkar, but still we on the same status. I congratulate to whole team of IDMV for doing such great effort. Malji Meghwal from Pakistan
Assalam,
very nice , i really appreciate this movement will work together if I got the chance,InshaAllah,
This is very true that still ignorance is there in our muslim community and this descrimination is practised by some part of muslim community,
InshaAllah we will solve this issue thorugh IDMV's initiative , it shud go on and on,
But 'SITARO SE AAGE JAHA OR BHI HAI' :) so wht my concern is if thess goal are achieved( summa InshaAllah)then this movement will stop??? offcourse Not and big NO, as my above verse says,
So can we add a broder concept to these aims and objective, yeh will fight for current situation which is going on, but to set a mission and a vision its necessary that it wud be ultimate aim, after that no space there to fulfill.
Its like more broader than uniting only indian dalit muslim to whole dalit sect whether its muslim or non muslim then uniting whole ummah also, then offcourse uniting 'HUMANITY' shud be out ultimate aim,
so make some broader addition to aims and objective it shud not limited to only indian only muslim only dalit but whole 'HUMANITY'
I m talking abt aims and objectives to be broader than this, and offcourse,course of action shud be according to resources available,
jazakallah.
Thanks for your valuable feedback on IDMV's aims and objective Anwar Bhai. We are preparing a common agenda for whole community. Your valuable feedback is needed there too. I will share the same with you offline.
Keep enlightening us Shehenshah bhai. Truth must be brought forward and this is one of those issues, which has been of least concern for all because it's about least powerful section of our society.
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