Asserting that the Centre was issuing directives and suggestions to curb atrocities on Dalits from time to time, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani asked the Dalit leadership to get rid of prejudices for the benefit of their community.
"We have discussed various issues concerning Dalits at DGPs, Chief Secretaries and State Home Minister' conferences several times. The Centre had given strict instructions to the State governments to adopt the toughest measures to curb the atrocities on Dalits as the law and order issue is basically a State subject. We asked the States to provide information about atrocities on Dalits," Mr Advani said.
"Although the Centre was extremely concerned and wanted to act, it had limitation and does not have the authority to act under the present Constitution since the responsibility was mainly with the States," he said.
Replying to a lengthy debate on atrocities on Dalits raised by Lok Janshakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan and other Opposition members, the DPM disapproved of some religious leaders propagating untouchability. "I have been influenced by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the teachings of Jana Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhayay who opposed untouchability. Even Mahatma Gandhi appreciated the efforts by the RSS to eradicate untouchability."
Giving a call for imparting a new movement against the social evil, Mr Advani recalled that during a visit to a RSS camp in Wardha in 1934, Mahatma Gandhi had appreciated its stand against untouchability.
Maintaining that special cells have been set up in 17 States and a Union Territory to deal with the problem, Mr Advani informed the Lok Sabha that 137 special courts have also been constituted in ten States. "Despite the existence of various statutes, atrocities on Dalits have not been fully checked," he said.
Mr Advani said 12 states have identified
areas that were prone to atrocities on Dalits. Mr Advani informed that
the Centre has limitations in divulging its own findings in the House under
the present constitution to act on these issues as the primary responsibility
lay with the States.