Social Exclusion and Dalits: Programme for Research, Knowledge Empowerment, Training and Advocacy.
Status: Ongoing

Supported By : IPAP - Christianaid

Following are the ongoing projects under this research programme
1. Study on Status of Disabled Persons in India: Comparison across Social Groups
2. Mapping Caste Atrocities- Annual Atrocity Report
3. Tribals in India: A Status Report
4. Dalit Biographies
5. Intergroup Disparities in Human Development: Study of Dalit Muslims and Christians
6. Dalit Activism in India

Study on Status of Disabled Persons in India: Comparison across Social Groups

Dalit community by and large experiences social exclusion and discrimination in the society leading to deprivation of access to resources and facilities for a decent livelihood. Given the issue, there is a dire need to study the magnitude of disability in the country and specifically across social groups. This is mainly to understand the magnitude of disabled people among Dalits and their socio-economic status.
Mapping Caste Atrocities: Annual Atrocity Report

Despite legal provisions, over the years, there has been increasing number of caste-based atrocities. The nature of such atrocities has also undergone changes. Many cases of atrocities are under-reported or unreported, especially in rural areas. Even the cases are officially registered; many of them are not charge sheeted under penal codes. According to the reports of the Ministry of Social Justice, while less than 50 per cent cases are charge sheeted; those go to the trial, many end in acquittal. The scenario reveals that the punitive provisions in the legislations have not been effective to curb atrocities. This may be because of a weak system of monitoring the Atrocity Act by government bodies and civil societies, inaccessibility of marginalized communities to legal system and/or incapacity to enforce their rights due to other socio-economic handicaps. The legal measures do not seem to discourage the upper caste from committing caste related atrocities. Considering the magnitude and pattern of atrocities inflicted upon the marginalized communities, it is important for the state to implement various laws enacted for the purpose effectively. For that to happen, there is a need for better understanding of atrocity situations in terms of its nature, magnitude, patterns and factors that influence the implementation of legal provisions. With the above backdrop, it is proposed to address various issues related to atrocities through two major activities over three years which would include preparation of Annual Report on Atrocities and a comprehensive research.