The Hindu

Mangalore, Jul 21: Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samithi has demanded that a single-window system be introduced to ensure overall development of the community. The Samithi has decided to stage a demonstration in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Wednesday July 25, to draw the attention of the Government to their demand.

The single-window system would be an alternative to the current one where most departments failed to spend the money allocated for the development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Through this system, funds could be directly allocated for providing health and education-related to Dalits, said K Rohitaksha, State president of the Samithi, at a press conference here on Friday July 20.

Rohitaksha said many dalit students were unable to complete their education because they were denied admission in hostels. “This situation must be rectified immediately”, he said. The samithi has demanded that vacancies in hostels meant for Scheduled Caste candidates be filled.

Demanding “hakku patras” (ownership rights) for lands on which dalit families were residing for several years, Rohitaksha said 31 dalit families who have been living near the graveyard in Boloor for a long time did not possess ownership rights. The Samithi has demanded the 139 posts of pourakarmikas at Mangalore City Corporation be made permanent.