Though tribals contribute to the national economy, they are being denied their share of prosperity, Rajya Sabha member D Raja has said.
Speaking at the two-day national seminar: “Caste and Dalits: A Way forward”, he urged that people should fight against this alienation. The seminar was organised by the Centre for Dalit and Adivasi Studies and Translation, University of Hyderabad, here on Wednesday.
Prakash Karat, general secretary, CPI-M, Prof G Haragopal, Mallepally Laxmaiah, founder president of the Centre for Dalit Studies, participated in the seminar, which was supported by ICSSR, New Delhi.
Professor Haragopal opened the afternoon session by asking whether empowerment is an intermediary goal for permanent emancipation of Dalits. What is stopping the Left parties from addressing the problems of Dalits and oppressed communities, he asked.
Prakash Karat said the primary problem of Dalits is landlessness. Land reforms is the focus of Communist parties, he said.
Mallepally Laxmaiah said caste is a problem in Indian society and economy, and it should be taken up as a political problem.
Students questioned the speakers about their respective political parties’ commitment towards land reforms and education.