In a bid to seek economic empowerment for the most vulnerable section of the society, the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations soon plans to launch a Confederation of Dalit Enterprises (CDE).

Terming this as the “beginning of a strong political movement”, it said the CDE would entail training, cadre camps, demanding access to technological know-how, loans and subsidies facilities, networking etc, which were so far in the hands of the so-called upper castes.

“Our communities do not participate in commerce, industry and business,” Udit Raj, National Chairman of the Confederation, said in a release. He appealed to all Dalit entrepreneurs to join the network.

Reservation Act

On November 26, the Confederation plans to ‘gherao’ Parliament, demanding job reservations in the private sector, as also in the higher judiciary and Army. A Bill to make the Reservation Act had been pending in Parliament since 2004, it said in a release.

In an indirect reference to caste-based political parties, Raj said currently Dalit unity was facing its biggest challenge.

“We need to adhere to the ideology of Dr (Bhimrao) Ambedkar and other social reformers… and are duty bound to mobilise the less Ambedkerite castes such as Balmikis, Khaticks, Madigas, Passis, Dhanuks, Dhobis and Kolis etc,” the release added..

aditi.n@thehindu.co.in

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