Dalit cook’s case goes to SC/ST panel; state officials summoned

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Express news service

Posted online: Thursday , December 27, 2007 at 12:00:00
Updated: Thursday , December 27, 2007 at 12:15:57

Lucknow, December 26 Officials of Education department and the district administration will now have to explain why they removed Dalit cook Phool Kumari Rawat from the Bibipur Primary and Junior High School.

The state SC/ST commission has accepted a petition filed by Ambedkar Mahasabha — a social organisation working for the rights of Dalits. The education and administration officials have been called for the first hearing on Thursday and explain the reason behind her removal.

The Mahasabha has alleged that Phool Kumari was removed under pressure from higher castes. It has also asked the commission to punish the concerned officers under ST/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. “Our members visited the school and the village and talked to cross section of people. It was found that the teachers belonging to higher castes have instigated the children to oppose Phool Kumari. We have asked that education officers be punished too,” said Bina Maurya, national general secretary of the Mahasabha.

SR Darapuri, vice-president of the district wing of Mahasabha said: “In our petition, we have made it clear that dismissal of cook is not only illegal but if it goes unnoticed, it will encourage untouchability in other schools.”

Kumari was appointed on December 10. But students refused to eat. Some said she was unhygienic, others admitted that it was because she was a Dalit. Later, officers found the Gram Pradhan involved in some anomalies and declaring appointments by him illegal, removed her.

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