HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE DALITS: ROLE OF EDUCATION

During the past few years, human rights education has been the subject of
discussion in different forms throughout the world. The United Nations in general
and the UNESCO in particular at the international level and National Human Rights
Commission (NHRC) at the national level have spearheaded the movement for the
incorporation of human rights in curricula at all stages of education. It is a truism to
state that education is an effective instrument to promote observance of human
rights because it is through the process of education that respect for human rights
can be developed.
The present paper describes one of the significant features of the Indian Social
Structure in the prevalence of the caste system which is universally identified
through its pollution and purity axis. For various reasons, the Hindu Social order
permitted the recognition and acceptance of untouchability which is perhaps the
greatest crime against crime.
Today people in different parts of India are still fighting in the name of caste which
really disturbs the entire society. But it doesn’t stop here, the situation even after
independence and especially related to Dalits is highly pathetic in the 21st century.
Present paper highlights the laws which were made for the protection of Scheduled
Caste & Scheduled Tribes people, its awareness, extent of knowledge and sources of
awareness of legislations, practice of untouchability. The paper also highlights the
administrative measures & misuse of law. The paper suggests few recommendations
for the betterment of people of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and role of
education.