Intervention by Annie Namala, Director, Centre for Programming Inclusion and Equity, New Delhi, India annie.namala@gmail.com 16th Dec. 08 Madam Chairperson and members, Content and Delivery of Curriculum Thank you for this second opportunity to speak on behalf of Dalit children and their education. As far as the curriculum and its delivery are concerned we would like to bring to your notice that: 1. The Indian society continues to present the caste system as a suitable social structuring and division of labour, and does not see its inhuman impact on Dalits and other lower caste communities. This is reflected in the curriculum and its delivery. The attitude and behaviour in the class room and outside reflects this. 2. Education can become an effective tool to dismantle the age old tradition of caste and bring up all children in the norms of equality, fraternity and dignity. 3. The knowledge, contribution and leadership from among Dalit communities are not reflected in the curriculum, robbing Dalit children role models and positive image building. This fact has been reflected by the National focus group on the problems of SC/ST children under the National council for education, research and training (NCERT). We recommend that: 1. The curriculum incorporates the large body of literature, being created by Dalits themselves, that is available in all languages across the country 2. Positive portrayal of Dalit life, contribution and leadership in the curriculum. The state should promote research in this connection to unravel the contribution of Dalits in various spheres. 3. Human rights education in India should reflect the caste issues and Dalit human rights issues 4. Members from Dalits and other minority communities with expertise and track record be enrolled in high proportion be engaged in the process of designing, implementing and monitoring curriculum and its delivery. Thank you very much