Indian Catholic bishops highlight plight of Muslims, Dalits and other minorities

The Dalits' struggle for justice and equality has gained ground with Catholic bishops appealing for their rights.

In a press statement issued recently, the Catholic bishops noted that persistent appeals from Dalit communities for equal rights and opportunities have fallen on deaf ears at both national and state level, in spite of internationally–backed campaigns.

Appealing to the Indian Government for speedy completion of the Mishra Commission's preparation of report on status of Dalit Christians in India, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) said that the government cannot afford to ignore the minority communities if the country is to move forward in its aspirations toward democracy, pluralism, tolerance and respect for human rights.

CBCI has welcomed the Justice Sachar Committee Report recently tabled in India's Parliament, saying that the report called for proper research into the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim minority community of India.

The Justice Sachar Committee Report says that existing evidence shows that the Muslim Community is relatively poor, more illiterate, has lower access to education, lower representation in public and private sector jobs, and lower availability of bank credit for self employment than other Indian citizens from different backgrounds.

The Sachar Report also examines the socio–economic conditions of other minorities communities in India, particularly Christians of Dalit origin who have been asking for their legitimate right to be treated on par with Dalits of other religious groups.