Two
days National workshop on ‘Dalit Atrocities in India’ was organized by Centre
for Study of ‘Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy’ on 4th and 5th January
2011. The workshop was inaugurated by the key note address of Professor
Smarana M. Dahiwale, an eminent sociologist. Professor N.J. Pawar presided
over the function. Professor Dahiwale pointed out that the hegemonic attitude
of the upper castes is responsible for the atrocities against the Dalits and
Adivasis. The educated class must therefore work for the welfare of the
downtrodden classes. Professor R.G. Dandge, the Coordinator, Centre for Study
of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, welcomed the guests and explained
the objectives of the Workshop.
In
the second session titled ‘Judiciary and Anti Atrocities Act’, Advocate
Sanghraj Rupawate illustrated the obstacles in the implementation of the Anti
Atrocities Act. Adv. Rupawate pointed out that Courts are reluctant to deal
with the cases of atrocities. He cited many examples to prove his point. He
said if the judiciary, which is responsible to protect the interests of the
exploited, itself is apathetic towards them, how we can expect justice.
In
the same session Adv. Vishnu Dhobale made his presentation. He said that the
Anti Atrocities Act has unnecessarily created rift between upper castes and
the lower castes. In fact the Anti Atrocities Act is meant to curtail criminal
tendencies among upper castes. If the state government shows political will,
the atrocities against Dalits can be curtailed. If the legislature,
bureaucracy and judiciary look at Anti Atrocities Act as an instrument of
establishing equality and justice, we can have a more humane society.
Professor A. A. Dange Head, Department of Economics, presided over this
session. Around 250 delegates participated in the Workshop.
