Dalit Christians in TN, demand Reservation benefits

A delegation of Dalit Christians consisting of members from Dalit Liberation Movement and the Diocese of Chengalpattu on Monday submitted a petition to Kancheepuram district collector Pradeep Yadav for reservation benefits to Christian Dalits.

Dalits converted to Christianity in India do not enjoy the same benefits and treatment they received before their conversion. While Sikhs and Buddhists can have their Dalit rights maintained even after their conversion it is pure injustice provided to the Christian Dalits.

Justifying that their conversion to Christianity has "not at all improved their lot"; they stated they should be extended reservation benefits like those enjoyed by converted Sikhs and Buddhists.

“At least 80,000 catholic converts in Chengalpattu diocese have not registered their religion as Christian but remain as scheduled caste Hindus so that they retain their reservation benefits," said, John Suresh, chief of the Diocesan Political Wing Committee.

They also claimed that 70 percent of Christians in India were converted Dalits.

Demonstrations, protests and meetings will be held at the national level to bring out the issue, added, John Suresh.