Udupi — The Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (Ambedkar Vada) Udupi District Committee has urged the district administration to address long-standing issues affecting the Dalit community. The delegation met Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K. at her office, presenting a series of demands.
They called for immediate identification of available DC manna lands in the district and their redistribution to landless Scheduled Caste families. Additionally, they sought ₹2 crore annually for the Ambedkar Development Corporation to generate employment for unemployed Dalit youth.
The group condemned the alleged issuance of fake caste certificates to members of the Parivar Nayak, Mogera, and Bhovi communities, demanding legal action against complicit officials. They also raised concerns about non-SC individuals obtaining contracts meant for Dalits by using their names, and urged a special investigation with cancellation of such contracts.
District General Convener Manjunath Gilliyaru criticised District In-charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, accusing her of ignoring Dalit issues in Udupi and prioritising Belgaum politics. He warned of a large-scale protest if promises—including DC manna land distribution—are not honoured.
Sundar Master, another leader, highlighted that powerful communities and even government bodies like the Karnataka Geru Development Corporation and the Forest Department occupy lands sanctioned for Dalits. He called for a joint Revenue–Forest Department survey to reclaim and reassign such lands.
The delegation included several district leaders and activists, reflecting a united call for land rights, employment opportunities, and fair administrative action for the Scheduled Caste community.