India keeps caste off agenda

GENEVA, AUG. 10. With the backing of China, South Korea and some other countries, India frustrated the attempts of non-government organisations to get the issue of caste discrimination included on the agenda for the coming conference on racism.

Despite consistent efforts by the Human Rights Watch and several NGOs, the issue of caste-based discrimination failed to get the support of the member-countries at the meeting of the U.N. sub- commission of human rights.

Countries such as Britain were inclined to have a debate on the issue. But Mauritius lauded the Indian Government for taking measures to safeguard the rights of Dalits and poor sections. It also referred to safeguards provided by the Indian Constitution which enabled a person from the lower caste to hold the highest constitutional post in the country.

India's permanent representative to the U.N. office, Ms. Savitri Kunadi, said before the sub-commission that the Indian Government had taken a number of steps and provided constitutional safeguards to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and weaker sections.

She said some groups were trying to highlight the issue for their vested interests.

The debate on the issue was initiated by Mr. Rajendra Kalidas Wimala Goonsekere, who said the caste system and practice of untouchability must be taken seriously by India and the international community and administrative bodies. ``The task, therefore, is to focus on basic needs and social requirements of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and give them social dignity and economic capability at par with other sections of society,'' he said.

NGOs brought immense pressure to see the issue find a place on the agenda of the Durban conference. But the Indian Government urged the NGOs not to insist on dragging the issue. The Indian officials also worked hard to explain the Government's stand on the issue to other delegates.

`Fix time schedule'

Ms. Samita Narula of the Human Rights Watch said the U.N. development agencies should pay particular attention to the caste violence and discrimination. She also demanded that the Indian Government and government of other countries where caste system was prevalent finalise a timetable to enforce the abolition of untouchability, segregation or similar practices. Other NGOs echoed the demand.

NHRC seminar on racism

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