National Consultation on Dalit Christian Issue Held

NEW DELHI, May 10, 2010, 11:30 Hrs (CBCI News):

The representatives of CBCI, NCCI and NCDC held a consultation on Dalit Christian issue at the CBCI Centre, New Delhi, May 8. Eleven members participated. Executive Secretary of the Commission for SC-STFr. G. Cosmon Arokiaraj, briefed the participants about the various efforts being made and the progress of the lobbying and campaign that has been done in recent months. Other participants too shared about what has been done in this regard. These include several representations made to MPs, ministers of various states and political leaders, and letters sent to them to press for an early solution to the demands of the Dalit Christians in India.

The members of NCDC, CBCI and NCCI too briefed the participants about their meetings with several ministers of states and activities and awareness programmes held in various states and regions. Mr. Aariz stressed the need to intensify the campaign and lobbying to press for raising the issue in the forthcoming session of the parliament. Mr. Franklin Caesar said that the Home Ministry has asked to study the proposal of including the Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims in the Scheduled Caste list. Further he said that the documents concerning the registration of NCDC have been sent from Ministry of Consumer Affairs to Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for their concurrence with regard to using the word ‘National’. Mr. Mary John spoke about various activities going on in Tamil Nadu region demanding SC status for Dalit Christians. .

The meeting decided to hold a Parliament March and Dharna in New Delhi on 24th August 2010 during the Monsoon session of the Parliament, to distribute pamphlets and posters throughout the country to create mass awareness, to mobilise people and financial resources in support of the issue. States like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra are planning to hold long marches in the coming months.