Important intervention<br> <br>

Caste-based discrimination and sexual exploitation
(Case No. 24637/24/47/2013)
The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a complaint filed by an NGO that caste-based discrimination, sexual exploitation and untouchability are widespread in the Bundelkhand area of UP, which is very backward. The demography of the region shows that 53% are OBC, 25% Scheduled Castes/Dalits, 10% tribals and 12% Thakur and Brahmins who own land and dominate others.
The report alleged that a Dalit has to take off his shoes and hold it in his hand when a Thakur approaches him. He has to do so while visiting a locality of upper caste people. The women of the Balmiki community manually scavenge night-soil and the carcasses of dead animals. This practice is prevalent in several villages of District Lalitpur. Violence against women is rampant and during the last few years, a number of Sati deaths were reported. The sex-ratio is very skewed and women are sold to repay debts.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, calling for a report. It has also asked its Director General (Investigation) to send a fact-finding team.