Dalit activists to hold rally to raise reservation demands

Dalit activists will participate in a rally on December 8 to raise their demands before the government for reservations in promotions and passing of certain pending bills aimed at their betterment.
"The main demands raised by us are reservation in promotions, redressal of SC/ST grievances, passing of Bill to strengthen the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989, allocation of budget under Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub Plan as per population ratio," Lok Sabha MP Udit Raj told reporters today.
Raj, who is the national chairman of All India Confederation of SC/ST organisations, which is hosting the rally, also said that he is hopeful of the new government and they should be given more time.

"Dalits and tribals are very hopeful from the new government that they will get opportunity to participate in all walks of life. But since no developments can happen in miraculously overnight, they need to be given time but at the same time its important to let them know of the issues and demands," the Dalit leader said.
The confederation, which came into existence in 1997 has been raising demands for the dignity and rights of Dalits.
This would be the organisation's 17 rally, which is scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan in the capital.

The other demands raised by them include recognition of caste certificate of one state in other state, ban on contract system in 'safai' work, regularising them and ensuring their time-bound promotion, equal education for all and recognition to SC/ST organisations by government departments.

Raj also clarified that the motive of the rally is not a dharna aimed at gaining 'political mileage'.
"If we break the sequence of our rallies, our rank and file will get disillusioned and divided. We are gathering so that the government may feel our pulse and power," he said.