Dalit Woman Becomes Head Cook; Parents Pull Kids From Karnataka School

In an unprecedented event that occurred in the Chamarjangar district of Karnataka, which reflects the growing concerns about the ill-treatment of Dalits in the past couple of days, a Dalit woman’s appointment as the head cook became a point of controversy. The incident happened at the Government Higher Primary School in Homma village.

Reportedly, the school originally had 22 students enrolled in this session; however, now only one student is left. Parents of the 21 students have either taken Transfer Certificates (TCs) or applied for them, admitting their children to other schools.

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As per the reports, the parents were unhappy with the decision to appoint a Dalit woman as the head cook. They stopped their children from eating the midday meals at the school. However, only 7 out of the 22 students used to eat the food provided by the school.

According to the Observer Post report, the residents said that children were withdrawn from the school due to casteist bias, as people did not want their children eating food cooked by a Dalit woman.

The initial reports mentioned parents withdrawing admission of their wards due to the quality of education in the school; however, now different stories are brewing. SP Kavitha has said to investigate the matter fully and ensure strict action if any ploy of untouchability or caste-based discrimination is found.

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Officials are trying to get the students back, promising better teachers and improved school conditions. Though no student has come back till now. The school still has two teachers and just one student attending the school. The parents of that child have also applied for transfer.