Dalit organisations call on ‘Bharat Bandh’

Several powerful Dalit organisations which have powerful presence across the country (particularly in the Northern States of the country) have called on a national wide bandh, named ‘Bharat Bandh’, today to express their reservation for the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the act constituted to protect the Scheduled Cast and Scheduled Tribe members of the country from atrocities.

It is learned that the ‘Bharat Bandh’ is likely to disturb the normal life of the people living in the northern part of the country, where the Dalit organisations and Dalit movements are very influential compared to the southern part.

The Indian State of Punjab has directed the concerned authorities to cancel several prominent examinations including the CBSE Class 10 and 12 examination scheduled to take place today in the state in the wake of the Bharat Bandh.

At this moment, it is believed that the CBSE examinations scheduled to be held in other states will take place without any serious trouble or disturbance.

Notably, the Congress Party, the main opposition party of the country, has extended their support to the cause raised by the Dalits and to the strike organised by them.

Earlier, observing that the aforementioned act was often used to threaten or blackmail citizens and public servants, the SC directed some precautionary measures to prevent the misuse of the act.

Anyway, as per a latest report, the central government would file a review petition in the court today itself.

Vignesh. S. G

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