In October 2007 we requested that you write to the Indian authorities about the discrimination experienced by Christian and Muslim Dalits in India.

For many centuries Indian society was based on the ‘caste’ system – the ordering of social relationships around a hierarchical class system. The caste into which you were born dictated your social standing for life. Members of the lower castes, especially the ‘Dalits’ or ‘untouchables’, have been severely disadvantaged by the social limitations imposed upon them, many being unable to escape the cycle of poverty handed down from generation to generation.

Although the caste system was officially abolished in the Indian Government in the 20th Century, its effects still impact on Indian society. For example, under current legislation, members of the Dalit caste who leave Hinduism for Christianity relinquish their right to access affirmative action measures, such as places in education and government jobs reserved for Dalits. Consequently, their scope for advancement out of poverty has been curtailed. However, Dalits belonging to Hindi, Sikh and Buddhist religions have been freely granted these benefits since the 1950s.

On 25 August the Andra Pradesh State Assembly (State Parliament) passed a resolution calling on the Central Government of India to reduce the discrimination against Christian and Muslim Dalits by extending the benefits of Scheduled Castes to them. One of the partner churches of the Uniting Church in Australia in India, the Church North India, is calling on the churches of India to intensify their advocacy for the rights and well-being of the Dalits.