Bengaluru: Considering that there has been a rise in the number of incidents involving caste-based discrimination the Social Welfare Department has recommended that government-run barber shops be set up across the state.
It can be noted that the Kerala government started government barber shops in villages, where Dalits are being shunned from using even common salons.
According to the department’s proposal, the barber shops should be run by the local bodies within gram panchayat limits as there are a number of atrocity cases being filed because Dalits are being denied services, especially at barber shops.
“The Social Welfare Department can sanction the required funds,” the proposal added.
The issue was part of the agenda tabled during the recent review meeting on SC/ST Atrocities Act that was chaired by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. The government did not take up the matter for discussion. The CM, however, directed authorities to increase conviction rates in cases relating to atrocities against SC/STs.
According to a report by DH, the government is considering the issue and it could be taken up in the coming days.
Confirming that the issue was part of the agenda, Kollegal MLA N Mahesh, who was present for the meeting, said that the problem is largely in the northern and central parts of Karnataka. “The government should tackle the issue,” he added.
