Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the caste-based discrimination in India, highlighting a disturbing incident in Odisha where parents boycotted an Anganwadi center for three months because the cook was a Dalit woman.
Kharge expressed concern over the closure of the Anganwadi, which is vital for children’s growth through nutrition and early education, due to caste bias. He emphasized that this boycott deprives children of essential nutrition and hampers their development.
He condemned the discriminatory behavior towards the Dalit worker, stressing that children should not bear the brunt of adult prejudices. Kharge emphasized that every child has the right to proper nutrition under government programs to combat malnutrition.
Kharge also mentioned similar cases in states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chandigarh, where caste discrimination has resulted in tragic incidents. He highlighted instances of discrimination in these states, illustrating how caste bias affects not only social settings but also professional environments.
He pointed out that such incidents violate constitutional provisions like equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination, and the abolition of untouchability. Kharge urged the government to take strict and prompt action against those responsible for perpetuating caste-based discrimination.
