Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Studies on economic activity at the household level to understand the tribal economy today that are based on primary data are limited. This article’s aim is to look into the household economic activities of tribal people in West Bengal’s Rarh region. Most of the source materials were collected from primary surveys. A single base map was compiled and made from a secondary source. By means of a well-structured questionnaire, the primary information is collected. Totally, 150 households located in four regions were surveyed. Around 28 villages and a total of 17 Community Development (CD) blocks have been included in 150 tribal household sample surveys. The size of the landholding (large, medium and small) has been addressed during respondent selection. A stratified purposive random sampling procedure is adopted to achieve the goals and objectives of the research. The study reveals that in regions with high degrees of livelihood resources, household economic activity is strong overall and gradually deteriorates towards regions with very low levels of livelihood resources. Distance migration is a common event in areas with little or no resources for a living. Increasing infrastructure is essential to increasing both farm and non-farm income sources. To help impoverished families diversify their sources of income, agricultural and forest-based industrial units should be promoted, and required skill development initiatives should be put in place.
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Role of Preschool Teachers in Early Childhood Care and Education: A Study of Anganwadis/Anganwadi Schools Located in Scheduled Caste Colonies of Telangana State
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
In India, ICDS provides early childhood education to children (3–6 years) under the supervision of Anganwadi Teacher (AWT). The study concluded that out of 42 AWTs, the majority are Schedule caste (SC) teachers and have more than 10 years of experience and only half of the AWTs have an intermediate and above qualification. The study also revealed that three-quarters of preschool children were from the SC community, and the rest came from other communities. The vast majority of AWCs have building blocks, charts, picture books and carpets, but the vast majority (65%) lack a first aid box. As per the study, the most difficult challenges for SC AWTs in organizing preschool education are as follows: insufficient space for class activities, material storage and indoor games; children’s irregularities, other responsibilities; parental migration, English medium schools and a lack of basic amenities, all of which impede proper pre-school education implementation.
In India, ICDS provides early childhood education to children (3–6 years) under the supervision of Anganwadi Teacher (AWT). The study concluded that out of 42 AWTs, the majority are Schedule caste (SC) teachers and have more than 10 years of experience and only half of the AWTs have an intermediate and above qualification. The study also revealed that three-quarters of preschool children were from the SC community, and the rest came from other communities. The vast majority of AWCs have building blocks, charts, picture books and carpets, but the vast majority (65%) lack a first aid box. As per the study, the most difficult challenges for SC AWTs in organizing preschool education are as follows: insufficient space for class activities, material storage and indoor games; children’s irregularities, other responsibilities; parental migration, English medium schools and a lack of basic amenities, all of which impede proper pre-school education implementation.
Dalit Writing in Hindi and Politics of Resistance and Recognition from Within: A Thematic Reading of Selected Narrative by Kausalya Baisantri
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Hindi Dalit literature has been produced for over a century but is yet to be acknowledged by a larger mainstream audience. In this article, it is examined how generations of Dalit women lived. Experience of Hindi Dalit literature was constructed by several social, political, ideological and economic factors that together obscured the cultural identity of Dalit women. Using narrative text Dohra Abhishaap, an autobiography and testimonio in nature, written by Kausalya Baisantri, Hindi Dalit author as an entry point, this essay analyses the explicit and implicit mechanisms of Dalit women oppression that have averted Dalit women writers from consolidating their distinct identity. This article examines critically on the discourse regarding the subaltern’s failure to speak and/or be heard, and reflects Hindi Dalit literature’s triumph over casteist struggles to relegate it to the periphery. I argue that Dalit autobiographies/testimonio are indeed a medium towards change and development to represent the ‘silenced voices’.
Hindi Dalit literature has been produced for over a century but is yet to be acknowledged by a larger mainstream audience. In this article, it is examined how generations of Dalit women lived. Experience of Hindi Dalit literature was constructed by several social, political, ideological and economic factors that together obscured the cultural identity of Dalit women. Using narrative text Dohra Abhishaap, an autobiography and testimonio in nature, written by Kausalya Baisantri, Hindi Dalit author as an entry point, this essay analyses the explicit and implicit mechanisms of Dalit women oppression that have averted Dalit women writers from consolidating their distinct identity. This article examines critically on the discourse regarding the subaltern’s failure to speak and/or be heard, and reflects Hindi Dalit literature’s triumph over casteist struggles to relegate it to the periphery. I argue that Dalit autobiographies/testimonio are indeed a medium towards change and development to represent the ‘silenced voices’.
Book review: Juthika Barma, Jati Rajniti Theke Jatiyo Rajniti: Upendranath Barman (1898–1988) O Tar Somokalin Uttarbanga
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Juthika Barma, Jati Rajniti Theke Jatiyo Rajniti: Upendranath Barman (1898–1988) O Tar Somokalin Uttarbanga. Sopan, 2021, 151 pp., ₹250 (Hardback). ISBN: 9789390717323.
Juthika Barma, Jati Rajniti Theke Jatiyo Rajniti: Upendranath Barman (1898–1988) O Tar Somokalin Uttarbanga. Sopan, 2021, 151 pp., ₹250 (Hardback). ISBN: 9789390717323.
A Review on Interlinking Poverty, Social Inequity and Exclusion as a Social Discrimination Among Scheduled Castes
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
The present article aims to look at several elements of caste-based exclusion among the Scheduled Castes (SCs) community in India. It looks at denying SCs their social, cultural, civil, political and economic rights, which leads to social exclusion and poverty. The work is expressive and analytical, based on secondary data sources. The research is based on a survey of the existing literature on these connected institutional phenomena that have had a significant impact on the lives of SCs. Different literature reviews have also been conducted from various journals, government reports, websites and working papers to present this research article.
The present article aims to look at several elements of caste-based exclusion among the Scheduled Castes (SCs) community in India. It looks at denying SCs their social, cultural, civil, political and economic rights, which leads to social exclusion and poverty. The work is expressive and analytical, based on secondary data sources. The research is based on a survey of the existing literature on these connected institutional phenomena that have had a significant impact on the lives of SCs. Different literature reviews have also been conducted from various journals, government reports, websites and working papers to present this research article.
Hundred Years of Chargola Exodus: Changes and Continuity in the Tea Plantations in Eastern India
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
The introduction of tea plantations was a colonial capitalist venture in eastern India. The tea plantations turned into social enclaves and hotspots of labour migration. The tribal labourers had to work in a bondage labour system with low wages, strict surveillance and harsh working conditions. The Chargola Exodus of 1921 was one of the first organized and articulated labour protests against colonial oppression and the bondage labour system in tea plantations. The plantation labourers revolted against the colonial oppression and decided to return to their homeland to quit from bondage system in the tea plantations. This article examines the changes and continuity in the tea plantations in the last hundred years since the Chargola Exodus. It argues the bondage labour system can still be sensed as the colonial structure in the plantations remained unchanged. However, the forms of labour bondage have been changed, and it has become ‘unannounced’. Therefore, the servitude of the labourers in the tea plantations has continued since the colonial period, even after the independence of the country. At present, the tribal communities in the tea plantations are living in extreme poverty, chronic hunger, low literacy, unsanitary living conditions and poor health status. The tea plantations have turned into a hotspot of human trafficking, forced out-migration and hunger deaths.
The introduction of tea plantations was a colonial capitalist venture in eastern India. The tea plantations turned into social enclaves and hotspots of labour migration. The tribal labourers had to work in a bondage labour system with low wages, strict surveillance and harsh working conditions. The Chargola Exodus of 1921 was one of the first organized and articulated labour protests against colonial oppression and the bondage labour system in tea plantations. The plantation labourers revolted against the colonial oppression and decided to return to their homeland to quit from bondage system in the tea plantations. This article examines the changes and continuity in the tea plantations in the last hundred years since the Chargola Exodus. It argues the bondage labour system can still be sensed as the colonial structure in the plantations remained unchanged. However, the forms of labour bondage have been changed, and it has become ‘unannounced’. Therefore, the servitude of the labourers in the tea plantations has continued since the colonial period, even after the independence of the country. At present, the tribal communities in the tea plantations are living in extreme poverty, chronic hunger, low literacy, unsanitary living conditions and poor health status. The tea plantations have turned into a hotspot of human trafficking, forced out-migration and hunger deaths.
How did COVID-19 Pandemic Affect the Rural (Tribal) Livelihoods? A Case Study of Khaprakhol Block
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
The COVID-19 epidemic has devastated human existence over the planet, shocking people with the new sickness and almost bringing countries to their knees. It was a never-before-seen scene of limited human movements and changing behaviours. Although the good consequences benefit the environment and wild animals by reducing pollution, the adverse effects have a direct impact on the economic status of human beings. The situation was new to all living beings, and difficulties were generated globally, irrespective of rural and urban. The study attempts to discover the key problems of the rural people faced during the lockdown and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their livelihoods. This article also aims to figure out the difficulties faced by rural living for their livelihood. This study is based on primary data and the data collected from the rural living of Balangir (khaprakhol block) district of Odisha. The data collection method was based on random sampling, and a total number of 100 rural living households were interviewed. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics and suitable statistical tools. The outcome of this study is that rural living has faced movement difficulties and trouble for getting work. It has been witnessed that they could not get the marketing facilities to sell their agricultural products. Moreover, rural households were paid higher prices for daily stuff in their locality or village shops. As a result, it was a terrible period for them since employment and money resources made it possible to cope with the increased market price of everyday items. Though the study area is near the forest area and situated in the foothill of Gandhamardan hill, most of the local people depend on forest products as their source of income. The collection of forest products is also affected badly during the collection season by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Regardless of the movement concerns, they were unable to work. Due to employment loss, the disturbance altered the dietary and nutrition profile of rural residents. At the same time, they claimed that MGNREGS work was ongoing but that it was not preferable to work owing to late payment to the bank account. Finally, this article focuses on the rural residents’ livelihoods, which were negatively impacted by the lockdown, and job loss was a constraint for them during the lockdown.
The COVID-19 epidemic has devastated human existence over the planet, shocking people with the new sickness and almost bringing countries to their knees. It was a never-before-seen scene of limited human movements and changing behaviours. Although the good consequences benefit the environment and wild animals by reducing pollution, the adverse effects have a direct impact on the economic status of human beings. The situation was new to all living beings, and difficulties were generated globally, irrespective of rural and urban. The study attempts to discover the key problems of the rural people faced during the lockdown and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their livelihoods. This article also aims to figure out the difficulties faced by rural living for their livelihood. This study is based on primary data and the data collected from the rural living of Balangir (khaprakhol block) district of Odisha. The data collection method was based on random sampling, and a total number of 100 rural living households were interviewed. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics and suitable statistical tools. The outcome of this study is that rural living has faced movement difficulties and trouble for getting work. It has been witnessed that they could not get the marketing facilities to sell their agricultural products. Moreover, rural households were paid higher prices for daily stuff in their locality or village shops. As a result, it was a terrible period for them since employment and money resources made it possible to cope with the increased market price of everyday items. Though the study area is near the forest area and situated in the foothill of Gandhamardan hill, most of the local people depend on forest products as their source of income. The collection of forest products is also affected badly during the collection season by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Regardless of the movement concerns, they were unable to work. Due to employment loss, the disturbance altered the dietary and nutrition profile of rural residents. At the same time, they claimed that MGNREGS work was ongoing but that it was not preferable to work owing to late payment to the bank account. Finally, this article focuses on the rural residents’ livelihoods, which were negatively impacted by the lockdown, and job loss was a constraint for them during the lockdown.
Does Economic Basis of Reservation Weaken Constitutionalism in India?
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Reservations and affirmative action are significant Constitutional intervention in India to compensate the historical injustices based on discriminatory caste system. The independent India saw various challenges to these policies and has further strengthened the foundations of them. But the recent judgement in upholding the reservation for economically weaker sections has challenged some of the founding principles of social justice in India, by moving away from compensatory discrimination basis of our reservation policy. This article explains the foundations of reservations in India and questions the Constitutional validity of the recent judgement in upholding reservation based solely on economic criteria.
Reservations and affirmative action are significant Constitutional intervention in India to compensate the historical injustices based on discriminatory caste system. The independent India saw various challenges to these policies and has further strengthened the foundations of them. But the recent judgement in upholding the reservation for economically weaker sections has challenged some of the founding principles of social justice in India, by moving away from compensatory discrimination basis of our reservation policy. This article explains the foundations of reservations in India and questions the Constitutional validity of the recent judgement in upholding reservation based solely on economic criteria.
An Answer to Spivak’s Can the Subaltern Speak? A Study of Marginalized Women’s Autobiographies
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
This article discusses marginalized women’s resistance to patriarchal norms in a male-dominated Afghan society. This study analyses the literary modes of selected autobiographies—Fawzia Koofi’s The Favored Daughter, Sarina Sarwari’s Sokhan-i Del-i Yek Zan (Words from the Heart of a Woman) and Hadisa Osmani’s Pursuing My Dreams as an Afghan Woman—with Spivak’s essay ‘Can the Subaltern Speak?’ In this article, Spivak’s idea of subaltern has been deconstructed and needs to be re-read and understood in the context of Afghan women’s autobiographies. In answer to Spivak, yes, the subaltern can speak to resist patriarchal voices, speak against women’s subjugated situation and talk about women’s emancipation. This can be demonstrated by examining Afghan women’s autobiographies. Afghan women’s autobiographies focus on women’s courage and emancipation to resist social victimization and verbal and physical violence. It further states that numerous contemporary Afghan women have highlighted women’s issues due to the absence of a strong feminist voice. Therefore, it demonstrates Afghan women’s gradual awakening, as well as their resolution to resist victimization, subjugation, oppression and violence in a patriarchal and culturally complex male-dominant society. Hence, the present study appraises Afghan women’s struggle to give them recognition and a contribution to the literature, giving a positive light to other women. These women are promoting awareness and giving a feminist message as a women’s strong voice is necessary for a progressive and gender-equality-based society. Afghan women’s writing testifies to finding an answer to Spivak’s question, ‘Can the Subaltern Speak?’
This article discusses marginalized women’s resistance to patriarchal norms in a male-dominated Afghan society. This study analyses the literary modes of selected autobiographies—Fawzia Koofi’s The Favored Daughter, Sarina Sarwari’s Sokhan-i Del-i Yek Zan (Words from the Heart of a Woman) and Hadisa Osmani’s Pursuing My Dreams as an Afghan Woman—with Spivak’s essay ‘Can the Subaltern Speak?’ In this article, Spivak’s idea of subaltern has been deconstructed and needs to be re-read and understood in the context of Afghan women’s autobiographies. In answer to Spivak, yes, the subaltern can speak to resist patriarchal voices, speak against women’s subjugated situation and talk about women’s emancipation. This can be demonstrated by examining Afghan women’s autobiographies. Afghan women’s autobiographies focus on women’s courage and emancipation to resist social victimization and verbal and physical violence. It further states that numerous contemporary Afghan women have highlighted women’s issues due to the absence of a strong feminist voice. Therefore, it demonstrates Afghan women’s gradual awakening, as well as their resolution to resist victimization, subjugation, oppression and violence in a patriarchal and culturally complex male-dominant society. Hence, the present study appraises Afghan women’s struggle to give them recognition and a contribution to the literature, giving a positive light to other women. These women are promoting awareness and giving a feminist message as a women’s strong voice is necessary for a progressive and gender-equality-based society. Afghan women’s writing testifies to finding an answer to Spivak’s question, ‘Can the Subaltern Speak?’
Accessibility of Water (H2O) and Untouchability in India
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Caste has always played an imperative role in shaping and reshaping the trajectories of any development in India. Scheduled Castes, or the lower castes, signify the categories devoid of resources generally confined to the upper caste in the social structure of Indian society. Due to the role of Dr B. R. Ambedkar in drafting the Indian Constitution, some rights and safeguards were granted to the lower castes, which comprise 16.6% of the total Indian population. From the 2001 census to 2011, the Scheduled Castes population increased by 20.8% (Express News Service, 2013). Through their policies, science, technology and innovation have often brought societal transformation by generating various avenues. The opportunity has remarkably influenced people’s habits and way of life. The hate and hate crime associated with the caste identity are practised explicitly and implicitly depending upon the circumstances. The so-called lower caste people are aware of the situation and cannot do anything to change the mindset of the so-called upper caste people.The paper is not suggestive but engages primarily by referring to the context of discrimination meted out to the Scheduled Castes people for accessibility of water (H2O-two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen). The untouchables, or the untouchability associated with them, have been subjected to and made to amalgamate with cultural, social and political status and interaction. Lower caste people are humiliated and killed for touching, entering temples, drawing water (H2O) from upper caste people’s wells, or, for that matter, lower caste children being segregated from other children in the school for the Mid-Day Meals have become so functional and way of life that it does not allow the society to come together and address barbaric mindsets and practices. The paper is based on secondary sources.
Caste has always played an imperative role in shaping and reshaping the trajectories of any development in India. Scheduled Castes, or the lower castes, signify the categories devoid of resources generally confined to the upper caste in the social structure of Indian society. Due to the role of Dr B. R. Ambedkar in drafting the Indian Constitution, some rights and safeguards were granted to the lower castes, which comprise 16.6% of the total Indian population. From the 2001 census to 2011, the Scheduled Castes population increased by 20.8% (Express News Service, 2013). Through their policies, science, technology and innovation have often brought societal transformation by generating various avenues. The opportunity has remarkably influenced people’s habits and way of life. The hate and hate crime associated with the caste identity are practised explicitly and implicitly depending upon the circumstances. The so-called lower caste people are aware of the situation and cannot do anything to change the mindset of the so-called upper caste people.The paper is not suggestive but engages primarily by referring to the context of discrimination meted out to the Scheduled Castes people for accessibility of water (H2O-two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen). The untouchables, or the untouchability associated with them, have been subjected to and made to amalgamate with cultural, social and political status and interaction. Lower caste people are humiliated and killed for touching, entering temples, drawing water (H2O) from upper caste people’s wells, or, for that matter, lower caste children being segregated from other children in the school for the Mid-Day Meals have become so functional and way of life that it does not allow the society to come together and address barbaric mindsets and practices. The paper is based on secondary sources.