‘Modern-day untouchability’: Activists slam boycott of meals cooked by Dalit

Bengaluru

In yet another chilling reminder of caste prejudice entrenched in India’s social fabric, 21 out of 22 students at a government school in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district were withdrawn by their parents or stopped eating mid-day meals, all because the cook appointed was a Dalit woman.

The incident took place at Homma Government Higher Primary School in Chamarajanagar, where Lingamma, a Dalit and former school sweeper, was appointed the sole mid-day meal cook. The episode has sparked out- rage with legal experts and activists calling it a blatant form of modern- day untouchability.

“It’s deeply disheartening that even after all these years, caste continues to dictate our society, despite the Constitution’s emphasis on the dignity of every citizen,” said Maitreyi K, of the All India Lawyers Association for Justice. “The government must not only intervene but also recognise that caste bias is still shaping public behaviour.”

While seven children continued to eat at school, the rest brought meals from home or skipped lunch altogether, a silent but stark social rejection. “This should not have happened. What’s more unfortunate is that there will likely be no legal conequences. But let’s be clear: this is untouchability,” said Dalit rights activist Vinay Srinivas.

“Though constitutionally abolished, untouchability continues to thrive in these insidious, daily forms.” Srinivas urged both criminal action and social campaigns to combat casteism.

“How long must we live in a society where one section is forced to suffer such humiliation?” he asked. Dalit Sangharsha Samithi (DSS) state convenor R. Mohan Raj criticised the weakening enforcement of laws.

“Earlier, such cases were taken seriously. Atrocity laws had weight. Now, there’s silence,” he said. “If we enforce the law with rigour, we create deterrence.” He also called for more representation of marginalised voices.

“When oppressed communities are visible in governance and institutions, awareness spreads. That’s how you build an inclusive society.” Activists are now urging the government to file a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and conduct a sensitisation drive in schools.

“This isn’t just about meals. It’s about the dignity of labour,” said Maitreyi.