towards schemes and programmes which directly benefit Dalits economically
and socially.
Even though there are challenges in its thirty years of implementation on the
ground I. feel such a practice needs to be studied and adopted as a common
model for all minorities in the UN system.
IV. Inclusive measures in cutting edge economic growth.
Without a share in the 'cutting edge' economic growth, it is difficult to ensure
inclusion in the economic sphere. I am just taking a small example in the
emerging energy sector in India as a case in point.
Energy security has become a cutting edge concern in all nations pursuing economic
growth. Ensuring energy and its protection through conventional systems have been so far
denied to people living in rural and remote areas. There has been a stress on electricity
being generated through conventional systems like hydel, coal, oil or gas, to ensure energy
security to unconnected villages and power denied citizens in the rural areas, remote
areas, tribal areas and segregated villages of scheduled castes. We say, it is not the
quantum of power generation that matters more than the problem of distribution of power
to all.
Instead Dalits and other minorities should be introduced into energy protection and
distribution in all the non conventional energy production namely solar, bio gas, and wind
mills. All the production through non conventional methods should be small scale
production and designed such that we can participate and use the same.
It is known that markets have continued to practice policies of economic exclusion.
Though there has been a thrust on urbanization, little has been done to ensure protection
and safeguards for those among our brothers and sisters, shifting from rural to urban
work. Stringent focus needs to be given in balancing out the interests of the market vis a
vis the basic needs. Urban planning remains concentrated on spatial planning, planning of
goods and services and infrastructure for further growth seldom incorporating within its
purview the needs of urban poor. Identity documentation has become a night mare for
most minorities and dalits that it is become impossible to access any development
schemes. Effective mechanisms need to be found to ensure that every resident in the city
is able to be part of urban participation and local governance programmes irrespective of
our migrant status.
Thus the enabling environment can only emerge for us when there is greater will power
and political will to transform our mindsets before and above institutions and practices.