SC/ST grievances discussed at monthly meeting, officials promise action
Dalit activists on Sunday highlighted persistent instances of untouchability and administrative neglect in Balkunje village near Mulki during the monthly SC/ST grievances meeting. The session was chaired by DCP (law and order) Mithun HN, in the presence of DCP (crime and traffic) Ravi Shankar K and DCRE SP CA Simon.
Untouchability practices and local neglect
Activists alleged that members of the Dalit community are still barred from touching the rope used to draw water from wells owned by upper-caste families. In response, DCP Mithun instructed the local police inspector to hold a follow-up meeting in Balkunje within a month to hear SC/ST grievances, with DCRE officials present.
Jaya Katipalla raised concerns over a collapsed house belonging to Shantha, noting that officials did not visit the site until intervention by the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS). Although financial aid was promised from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, the family is still reliant on temporary tarpaulin sheets.
Activists also criticised the Balkunje gram panchayat for not displaying a photograph of BR Ambedkar, which government guidelines mandate.
Delays in Ambedkar Circle project
Another major grievance was the delay in developing Ambedkar Circle in Mangaluru. Despite the foundation stone being laid a year ago, no construction has begun. Activists demanded the statue of Ambedkar be installed at the centre of the circle rather than a corner, calling the delay “an insult to the architect of the Indian Constitution.” The DCP assured that the concerns would be forwarded to the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).
Law and order issues
SP Anand pointed out that no FIR was filed after the attempted kidnapping of a Class 6 student in Kavoor on September 12. While the local inspector cited a family dispute, the DCP instructed that undertakings be taken from the suspects identified by the boy and his father. The DCRE SP also clarified that SC/ST atrocity cases in Mangaluru can be directly submitted to the DCRE station, which will soon be strengthened with additional staff.
Medical negligence and healthcare concerns
Alleged medical negligence at a private hospital was raised, citing the case of Devendra Naik, a pourakarmika who permanently lost sight in one eye after an injury. The DCP (crime and traffic) directed that a complaint be lodged with the Karnataka Medical Council and the DHO.
Additionally, activists highlighted a shortage of ICU beds and ventilators for poor patients at Government Wenlock Hospital. SP Simon requested a petition detailing specific cases to take further action.
The meeting concluded with officials assuring that all grievances would be addressed and necessary follow-up actions initiated to improve facilities and address long-standing issues affecting SC/ST communities in the region.