Page 527 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

5. The atrocities were perpetuated on those failing to fulfil caste-based
obligations and functions and any dissent was perceived as rebellion. A

study conducted by the National Commission for SCs and STs in 1990

on “Atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: Causes and
Remedies” pointed out various factors for atrocities: land disputes, land

alienation, bonded labour, indebtedness, non-payment of minimum
wages, caste prejudice and the practice of untouchability, political

factions on caste lines, refusal to perform traditional works such as

digging burial pits, arranging cremations, removing carcasses of dead
animals and beating drums, etc.

6. Considered ritually impure, Scheduled Castes (SC) have been physically

and socially excluded from mainstream society, denied basic resources

and services, and discriminated against in all areas of life. Accordingly,
they face various forms of exploitation, insults and violence, as well as

degrading practices of untouchability. The Scheduled Tribes (ST) were

equally exploited on the grounds of not falling within the caste system
but having a distinct culture and a view of their own. Women belonging

to these castes and tribes bore a double burden. They were exploited by
caste and gender and were vulnerable to and powerless against sexual

exploitation.

7. The Constitution banned the practice of untouchability, in all its

manifestations. Converting this provision into law was imperative and
accordingly, the Untouchability Offences Act 1955 was enacted. The

Act enabled Dalits/untouchables access to all those public amenities and

facilities that were earlier denied only for their perceived lower caste
status. Any infringement to this access by any person shall be liable to

prosecution under the statute. The public amenities include temples,

wells, roads, medical facilities and schools.

8. However, at the functional level, the opposition and discrimination by
the upper caste continued and more often ended in the physical and