Black Day reiterates demand for equal status to Christians

Christians observed 'Black Day' on Aug. 10 to reiterate their anguish over the discrimination meted out by the government of India.

Wearing black badges, and carrying banners, Dalit Christians joined by church leaders organised rallies and public meetings condemning the negligence of government in deleting a clause in the Constitution Order 1950 that prevents SC Christians from enjoying economic and educational benefits.

In the capital, a solidarity meeting was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It was attended by more than hundred, including Rev. Vincent M. Concessao, Archbishop of Delhi, Rev. Asir Ebenezar, Officiating General Secretary, NCCI, Anand Kumar, representative of Christian Aid and Rev. Varghese Mattamana, Director Caritas.

Speaking on the occasion, Archbishop Vincent Concessao urged the Indian government not to delay justice to the "deprived and dispossessed" Christians and Muslims of Scheduled Caste origin.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer highlighted the consensus of the political parties on the issue of granting Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims.

Before winding up, the participants sent memorandums to the President of India, the Prime Minister, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Minister for Minority Affairs and Minister for Law and Justice.

Tuesday's gathering was organised by the National Coordination Committee for Dalit Christians (NCCDC), a joint program of Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).

Explaining the significance of Black Day, Rev. Cosmon Arokiaraj, the Executive secretary of CBCI Commission for SC/ST/BC, said it was on Aug. 10, 1950 the President of India signed the 'draconian' paragraph 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order.

The 1950 Order made reservation in education and jobs available to those from low-caste that follow Hinduism. It was later modified to include Sikhs and Buddhists, but still excludes Christians and Muslims.

Rev. Raj Bharat Patta, secretary of the Commission on Dalits at NCCI, says the demand for SC status is not a matter of privilege or benefit. "This demand is our constitution right," he asserts

He says the Dalit issue is a "litmus test for the present government in proving their genuine character towards justice and in safeguarding the rights of its citizens".