Like Hangul, Kashmir is the home to Markhor, a near-threatened species. Officially they exist in the protected areas at Hirpora (Shopian) and Kazinag. The recent census suggested the goat numbers have gone down hugely in Shopian unlike Uri.

Amit Pandey, Nainital

For two decades now, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP) in Jammu and Kashmir is working to conserve the Pir Panchal Markhor. The Astral Foundation is supporting the initiative. Kashmir is the only home to the critically endangered Hangul (Cervus Hanglu) and the near-threatened Markhor (Capra Falconeri).Of the region’s five National Parks (NPs) and 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLSs), the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Shopian is special. Alongside the Kazinag National Park in Uri, it hosts a viable population of Kashmir Markhor.

Spread over 341 sq km, the Hirpora WLS, around 80 km south of Srinagar, was established in 1987. Its location is fascinating. Surrounded by Gumsar Lake in its north, Hirpora hamlet in the north-east, Rupri to the east, Saransar to the south, and the Pir Panjal pass to the west, it encompasses various habitat types, including mixed coniferous forests, sub-alpine scrub forests, subalpine meadows, and alpine habitats.

Besides Markhor, the largest wild goat in the world, the Sanctuary hosts Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, and Kashmir musk deer. It has nearly 130 documented bird species, including the Himalayan Woodpecker, Spotted Forktail, Western Tragopan, Rock Bunting, Rufous-Breasted Accentor, Blue Rock Thrush, White-Capped Redstart, Himalayan Griffon, Common Stonechat, and Grey Wagtail.

Poaching is a major threat to the Markhor and species in Kazinag and its surrounding areas. Khazir mentioned Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary and Naganari Conservation Reserve as key locations where poachers have been reported with firearms and other equipment. The migration of these species to lower elevations during autumn and winter exposes them to increased risks.

In coordination with the Markhor Watcher groups, efforts have been made to confiscate licensed firearms owned by local communities in and around Kazinag during the winter season.

Addressing the impact of climate change on mountain ungulates and their habitat is crucial for their survival. The vulnerability of the Himalayas to climate change underscores the need for proactive conservation measures and sustainable practices to mitigate the potential risks and protect these unique species and ecosystems.

New Delhi, EW News:  In a commemoration of Civil Defence Day, the Delhi Division of the Railway Ministry hosted a vibrant celebration at the DRM Office in New Delhi. Sukhvinder Singh, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Delhi, along with officers and staff, marked the occasion with a display of gratitude towards volunteers and highlighted the crucial role they play during emergencies and natural calamities.

Raising Awareness and Honoring Contributions:

Civil Defence Day serves as an annual reminder of the importance of citizen participation in civil defence work. The event not only emphasizes the need for citizens to volunteer but also pays tribute to those who have made significant contributions to saving lives during various emergencies and natural disasters.

During the celebration, Singh acknowledged the remarkable dedication of the volunteers enrolled in the Civil Defence Organization, primarily comprising railway employees. These volunteers, numbering around 459 from the Delhi Division, undergo regular training to provide voluntary services during emergencies and peak rush festivals.

Demonstrations and Training:

Throughout the year, these dedicated railway staff members organize demonstrations and training sessions in essential skills such as fire-fighting, rescue operations, and First Aid. Their commitment is especially evident during crowded events like Chhat Puja, Diwali, Dusshera, and others, where they play a pivotal role in crowd management at various railway stations within the Delhi Division.

Showcasing Skills and Preparedness:

As part of the celebration, Civil Defence volunteers showcased their skills to railway officers and staff. Demonstrations included activities such as Fire Fox, Chair Knot, Self Rescue, and Fireman Lift, showcasing the diverse set of abilities these volunteers possess to handle emergency situations effectively.

Commendable Crowd Management:

Sukhvinder Singh commended the Civil Defence volunteers for their commendable job in crowd management at major railway stations, including New Delhi, Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Anand Vihar Terminal, during events like Chhat Puja. He encouraged the volunteers to persist in their dedication and assured continued support for their invaluable contributions.

Looking Ahead:

In his address, Singh expressed confidence in the volunteers’ ability to uphold their commitment to public service. He urged them to continue their exemplary work in the future, assuring that their efforts contribute significantly to the safety and well-being of the railway system and its passengers.

The celebration not only marked the achievements of the past year but also served as a catalyst for continued excellence in civil defence efforts by the dedicated railway staff in the Delhi Division. Civil Defence Day was not just a commemoration but a reaffirmation of the importance of citizen engagement in ensuring the safety and resilience of communities during challenging times.

The term ‘Dalit’ finds no mention in the constitution. In 2008, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes directed all states not to use the term ‘Dalit’ in official documents.

Niraj Krishna

Dalit… It is a word that neither holds a constitutional status nor has permission for its usage. Especially in the media world, there is a discouragement towards using the word ‘Dalit.’ The first recorded use of the term ‘Dalit’ is attributed to J.J. Molesworth, an army officer of the East India Company, in a Marathi-English dictionary in the year 1831. Dr. Ambedkar also later used this term in his speeches. Swami Shraddhanand also used the term ‘Dalit’ between 1921 and 1926.

The term ‘Dalit’ finds no mention in the constitution. In 2008, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes directed all states not to use the term ‘Dalit’ in official documents. Instead, the Indian Constitution uses the term ‘Scheduled Caste’ or ‘Scheduled Tribe.’ The Supreme Court has also declared the term ‘Dalit’ unconstitutional.

It is believed that Mahatma Gandhi first used the term ‘Harijan’ to show respect to the Dalits. However, even before Gandhi, in Pakistan, those who built permanent houses were traditionally referred to as ‘Hari.’ Similarly, in the 1872 Indian census, the term ‘Hari’ was used for the community responsible for cleaning in Bihar-Bengal-Odisha. The total population of this community was approximately 560,000.

In history, the term ‘Hari’ was also used for the illegitimate children of devadasis in the temples of South India. Although the term ‘Harijan’ was used for Hanuman in Tulsidas’s Ramayana. However, the powerful word ‘Harijan’ used for such a revered figure is now considered powerless.

It is true that Gandhi first used the term ‘Harijan’ in 1931 to give proper respect to the Dalits in society. He also published a newspaper named ‘Harijan’ and established the Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932. In February 1933, while imprisoned in Yerwada Jail, Gandhi published a weekly magazine named ‘Harijan’ where he expressed his views on social and economic issues. Gradually, the term ‘Harijan’ began to be used for those communities in Hindu society that were socially ostracized. From November 7, 1933, to August 2, 1934, during his journey from Wardha to Varanasi, Gandhi opened around six hundred temples for Dalits.

Ambedkar repeatedly expressed objections to the use of the term ‘Harijan’ for Dalits. On January 22, 1938, Ambedkar even staged a walkout from the Bombay Legislative Assembly in protest against the use of the term ‘Harijan’ for Dalits. The word ‘Harijan’ has been completely eliminated for all practical, political, and legal purposes.

Regarding self-rule, which the Congress is advocating, it will only mean replacing the dominance of the British with the dominance of the Hindus over the country. Scheduled Castes should not allow this to happen. They should ensure that they have been granted all rights so that they too can be free in independent India. – Dr. Ambedkar (February 1946 in Bombay)

On January 26, 1950, the birth of the world’s largest democracy took place when its birth certificate came into effect. Many framers of the constitution had witnessed the effects of British atrocities during the struggle for independence. Therefore, they understood the importance of creating a stable and lasting democracy that is self-reliant. They exercised great caution in creating a constitution that is centered around independence, accountability, fundamental rights, secularism, and democratic ideals.

When we adopted the constitutional republic in 1950, socially, economically, politically, educationally, and religiously marginalized people were granted fundamental and specific rights. Under Article 335, they were given representation in government and public sector jobs. They were granted concessions for admission to educational institutions.

The harsh reality of India’s 76 years of independence is that there is such deep-seated discrimination against Dalits in Indian society that even a child is not spared from its grasp. Since independence, the dominance of the majority Hindus has persisted in Indian society. Hindu religious texts provide a religious basis for untouchability. Perhaps this is why, despite the abolition of untouchability by the Indian Constitution 76 years ago, it is still very much alive today.

In the sixth century BC, starting with Buddha and continuing thereafter, many individuals in history have always been working to break and destroy the caste system. Among them, prominent figures were leaders like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule during the medieval period and leaders like Periyar E.V. Ramaswami and others during the 19th century as part of the Bhakti movement. The modern Dalit movement draws its intellectual inspiration from one of India’s greatest public intellectuals, Dr. Ambedkar, who aimed to annihilate caste for a civilized India.

Dalits, formerly known as “Harijans” or the untouchables, occupy the lowest rung of the Indian caste system. They have faced social discrimination, economic exploitation, and violence for centuries. Despite constitutional safeguards and affirmative action policies, the plight of Dalits remains similar in contemporary India. The term “Dalit” came into current usage in the 19th century when a Marathi social reformer and revolutionary, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, used it to describe the oppressed and broken people as victims of our caste.

Both Gandhi and Ambedkar were discontented with the contemporary social conditions and environment. While both aimed to reconstruct society, their perspectives and methods differed due to the complexities and solutions they envisioned.

Gandhi was a strong supporter of the caste system. He believed that the caste system was beneficial for society, promoting division of labor and specialization. However, Ambedkar vehemently criticized the caste system, considering it unscientific, inhumane, undemocratic, immoral, and unjust. According to Ambedkar, the caste system was a discriminatory and exploitative social scheme.

Gandhi believed that untouchability was not an inherent part of the caste system. He argued that untouchability was an external distortion of the caste system and advocated for constructive changes within the system. On the other hand, Ambedkar argued that untouchability was an inevitable outcome of the caste system. He believed that eradicating untouchability was not possible without the complete annihilation of the caste system.

Gandhi proposed idealistic and long-term measures to eliminate untouchability, emphasizing moral and ethical transformation. In contrast, Ambedkar advocated for practical, immediate, and concrete measures to address the issue of untouchability. According to Ambedkar, untouchability could only be eradicated through the radical reconstruction of the social order and the conversion of Dalits to other religions.

In summary, Gandhi and Ambedkar, despite sharing a desire to create a new society, had different perspectives and approaches regarding the caste system and untouchability. Gandhi leaned towards preserving the caste system with reforms, while Ambedkar advocated for its complete destruction through immediate and concrete measures.

The deep conflict between Gandhi and Ambedkar on the issue of caste is evident. This conflict was not trivial; it was rather intense. Both Gandhi and Ambedkar were advocates of a social system in which there were greater opportunities for individuals to develop their inherent abilities. In this regard, both were against the caste system. However, their perspectives differed.

Gandhi believed that the caste system led to the creation of notions of superiority and inferiority. According to him, not only Dalits but also the privileged castes suffered under this system. On the other hand, Ambedkar vehemently disagreed with Gandhi’s views. He did not accept that the privileged Hindus were also victims of the caste system. Ambedkar argued that the caste system was deeply ingrained in Indian society, affecting every aspect of life.

Ambedkar asserted that unless the state actively took steps to eliminate caste-based discrimination, the caste system would persist. Therefore, he sought to engage in political efforts with both the British government and the post-independence Indian state to address caste-related issues. He applied pressure on the government to take necessary measures to eradicate caste-based discrimination.

From 1850 to 1936, the British government referred to them derogatorily as “Depressed Classes.” From 1930 to 1947, Ambedkar’s political stance was based on the idea that the Scheduled Castes were a distinct, independent class separate from Hindus and constituted a political minority within themselves. He argued that Scheduled Castes were not integral parts of Hindu society, despite worshipping the same gods.

Ambedkar, as the representative of the Scheduled Castes, laid down conditions before the British government to become a part of an independent India. These conditions formed the basis for the Scheduled Castes becoming an integral part of independent India, the third-largest community in an undivided India.

Initially referred to as “Untouchables,” Gandhi later called them “Harijans,” and now, in official records, they are recognized as Scheduled Castes/Tribes. Including around two crore Dalit Christians and ten crore Dalit Muslims, the Dalit population in the country amounts to 32 crores, constituting one-fourth of the total population. The Bombay High Court has even suggested considering a directive to the central government to restrain the media from using the term “Dalit.”

In villages, Dalits still predominantly comprise landless laborers and marginal farmers. They often lack substantial agricultural land, and even the small plots they own are subjected to encroachment. According to a study conducted in the 1990s, when liberal economic policies were implemented, they disproportionately affected Dalits, worsening their economic conditions.

Over the past seven decades, the second and third generations of Dalits have been achieving new heights of progress. In many cases, reservations are no longer deemed necessary for them. In countries like the United States, a significant population of Dalit immigrants thrives. While a section of Dalits has made considerable progress, the majority still grapples with socio-economic conditions reminiscent of a century ago. The reservation policy seems to primarily benefit those who have already advanced through its provisions. Ambedkar envisioned that Dalits who progressed due to reservations would assist others from their community in escaping the socio-economic oppression. However, the reality is that the prosperous segment among Dalits is increasingly identifying itself as socially elevated within the Dalit community.

Modern capitalism and authoritarian governance have dealt severe blows to India’s caste system. Nevertheless, Dalits have been kept as the fundamental building blocks of this system to ensure its survival. Despite the attacks on the caste system by capitalism and authoritarian rule, Dalits have been preserved like the foundational bricks, safeguarded to maintain the caste system’s vitality. The Indian Constitution, by utilizing Dalits, has also sustained the caste system, ensuring its continued existence.

Ranch, EW News : A one-day workshop on technical accessibility was organized under the supervision of the Chief Electoral Office on Tuesday. District Information Science Officers and District Public Relations Officers from all districts, along with technical officers from the headquarters, were trained to transform election-related websites, web pages, and social media platforms to ensure digital accessibility for voters with disabilities.

Experts from Mumbai’s XRCVC and accessibility experts from Delhi conducted training sessions for officials from various districts during the workshop. Chief Election Officer Shri K. Ravi Kumar, inaugurating the training, emphasized the efforts to make all election-related platforms easily accessible for voters with diverse disabilities, in addition to physical amenities like ramps, wheelchairs, home voting, etc.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance digital accessibility, urging officers to make websites of both the state headquarters and all districts user-friendly for persons with disabilities. The training sessions provided in-depth understanding of various technical aspects.

Deputy Election Officer Sanjay Kumar managed the program, with OSD Ms. Geeta Chaube expressing gratitude. Specialized experts invited included Mr. Ketan Kothari, a senior specialist from Mumbai’s Xavier Resource Centre for Visual Challenges, Sushil Pandit, and corporate lawyer and subject specialist Mr. Amar Jain from Delhi.

The workshop was attended by District Electoral Officers, District Public Relations Officers, and technical staff from headquarters

Palamu, EW News : Senior journalist and media educator, Sanjay Pandey, conducted an insightful workshop in Leslieganj block, focusing on media literacy among rural communities and farmers. Addressing the impact of misinformation, Sanjay Pandey provided examples on distinguishing between accurate and misleading information, guiding participants on navigating the digital landscape responsibly.

Highlighting the rising prevalence of deceptive information in the digital age, Pandey emphasized that misinformation not only disrupts harmony but also poses a threat to the nation’s democracy. He urged everyone to fulfill their role as responsible citizens through media literacy, stressing the need to adeptly use media tools for the country’s development.

Sanjay Pandey illustrated various instances of digital fraud, cautioning against sharing personal information and refraining from blindly following links. The workshop covered the distinctions between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, along with practical fact-checking methods.

Participant Sangeeta Kumari expressed gratitude, stating that the workshop provided valuable insights into different aspects of media literacy. Reflecting on her use of social media, she acknowledged being unaware of potential harm, but now she is committed to promoting media literacy among her relatives.

The workshop concluded with a call for individuals to proactively embrace media literacy, fostering a culture of responsible information consumption in rural areas.

Palamu, EW News: principal District and Session Judge (PDJ) Sri Neeraj Kumar Shrivastav announced the upcoming National Lok Adalat scheduled to take place at the District Court premises on December 9th, commencing at 10:30 AM. He inaugurated the event during a press conference, highlighting its significance in expeditiously resolving cases and promoting efficiency, empowerment, and financial savings.

PDJ informed that the National Lok Adalat has constituted 13 benches for case disposal, aiming to resolve a higher number of cases through settlements and mutual agreements. He emphasized that this year’s disposal rate is expected to surpass the previous record, with a targeted resolution of over 15,000 cases compared to the last event’s 14,231.

The event will address various cases, including check bounce-related matters, family disputes, electricity-related issues, land acquisition cases, banking disputes, and more. PDJ urged litigants to actively participate in the resolution process, stating that Lok Adalats not only save time, effort, and resources but also contribute to the overall well-being of individuals by alleviating mental stress.

Several dignitaries, including Additional District Judges, officials from the Legal Services Authority, and Railway Magistrate Manoj Kumar, were present at the press conference, showing support for the initiative. The collective effort aims to make justice more accessible and affordable through Lok Adalats, promoting a swift and efficient judicial system.