Call it the Babri verdict fallout: a group of dalit rights activists has decided to approach the government demanding that Buddha and Jain viharas that have been converted to Hindu temples should be returned to the original owners. The group, made up of Ambedkar followers, academics, advocates and activists, has also decided to approach the Supreme Court with the demand. Several Buddha and Jain viharas were there in the country from sixth...

Eminent writer and social activist Arundhati Roy on Saturday alleged India is witnessing a war within itself since independence and is actually a poor super power. "Since the country gained independence there have been wars against tribals, dalits and others in several parts of the country leading to violation of human rights," she said. "Now people are struggling for human rights more than justice," Roy told a conference "Attack on Life,...

Orissa dalit Mahasabha today demanded immediate dismissal and arrest of a senior minister accused of passing derogatory remarks against some people belonging to the scheduled caste community. Five dalit organisations held a rally here under the banner of Orissa dalit Mahasabha where leaders cutting across partylines demanded Damodar Rout''s resignation and arrest. Rout, who is also vice-president of the ruling BJD, had at a public meeting in Kujang of Jagatsinghpur district on...

Atrocities against SC/STs won't be taken lightly any more. The government on Monday proposed to increase the number of fast-track courts to dispose of atrocities cases against them. Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has directed officials attached to the civil rights enforcement (CRE) cell to ensure speedy disposal of cases on atrocities committed on dalits, and promised to set up more special courts to try such cases. At present, there are seven...

It’s been often asked why our officialdom, with all the intellectual capital at its command, is unable to quantify the number of the really poor in India. Is this such a difficult thing to do? It is all the more baffling because in recent times, the debate on India’s poverty has only further confounded ordinary citizens. The Planning Commission had come up with an assumed deprivation ratio of 27.5 per...