Dalits and their Right to Education in India

Education in India is a primary issue and making education reach the neglected ones is a issue of main concern. Dalits have been fighting this battle for a long period now. In spite of many efforts made by the Government, they continue to lack access to education and their status remains unchanged. Notwithstanding the constitution of India, as per which ,”there shall be no discrimination by the state on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth also the modern human rights law proclaims the principles of “equality” and “non- discrimination” as its dominant theme. Irrespective of this, there are human rights violations. Dalits are subjected to discrimination, subjugation, deprivation and violence. They are not considered as a part of the Hindu society. They are denied their human rights, a right every living being inherently possesses. They have a right to be treated with dignity and as equals regardless of caste, creed, gender etc.

Discrimination on the basis of caste results directly in lack of opportunity. With the commercialization of the education today, this system is becoming expensive day by day making it difficult for the disadvantaged groups like Dalits to get educated without adequate finances at their disposal. It is also a settled fact that the quality of the schools for rural children is poor. Therefore dalits by virtue of their inhabitation must be witnessing poorer situations. This unfortunate plight of dalits remains a never ending saga. This saga, although, is clearly unjust and inhuman. We have come a long way since the Vedic age. They were treated and educated on the basis of their caste. However, this is not the case today. We, as a country, have walked a long way to achieve the equality status, though it is yet to be achieved in its entirety.

In order to achieve this, we must unite through education. As it is the most important and significant means of reducing ignorance and inequality in society. Also, accessibility to schools must be improved. As poor accessibility to schools has been one of the prime factors of low literacy rate among the Dalits. Lastly, the most important factor is to realize the fact that dalits need immediate and adequate support to be able to exercise their rights and lead a life of respect.

About the Author

Paridhi Dixit

Paridhi Dixit is currently pursuing B.A LL.B from Symbiosis Law School, Noida. She is an active debater and also an avid reader. She has participated in various creative writings, debates and Moot Court Competitions.