Discrimination and Exclusion Against Marginal Castes and Tribes in Educational Institutions: An Empirical Analysis of Bondaguda Primary School

Abstract

Dalits are unable to enjoy their rights under the Indian Constitution. Though they are original residents of India, they are still treated as untouchables. This article sheds light on how discrimination at the primary school level in the mid-day meal (MDM) scheme is reinforcing the caste system. The school is supposed to be a prime site of democratic institution where the child could have a non-discriminative environment. But the MDMs cooked by Dalit cooks are not eaten by children of upper castes and tribes, thus grossly contradicting such claims. The study is based on primary as well as secondary sources. It shows that children from an early age are moulded into perpetuating the discriminatory mindset of the caste-ridden village society. This article is an attempt to analyse the violence against the Dalit cooks in the Bondaguda village.

The Function of Mid-day Meal Scheme: A Critical Analysis of Existing Policies and Procedures in Rayagada District of Odisha (India)

“…However, the main issues of the programme are the poor quality of food, irregular supply of funds for procurement and no provision of separate rooms for serving the food (Sahu & Swain, 2015). Despite improving the conditions of school dropouts, many studies reported lack of quality in the MDM programme in various parts of India (Chakrabarti et al, 2021; Chetty, 2022; Dowarah, 2022; Joshi & Karpagam, 2022).…”

“…The present study indicates a low social group mixing while serving the food. Marginalised groups such as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and school children suffer from more malnutrition in India, mainly due to India’s income inequality (Chetty, 2022; Dowarah, 2022). Identity-based discrimination in the existing health and food programmes is harmful.…”

“…Identity-based discrimination in the existing health and food programmes is harmful. Scholars with vivid analysis found that nutrition programmes like ICDS and the MDM Scheme should be more caste- and gender-sensitive to eradicate discrimination in public places (Chetty, 2022; Joshi & Karpagam, 2022). More social groups’ participation in services in different areas such as planning, delivery, quality control, accountability, training and sensitisation is required (Mamgain & Diwakar, 2012).…”

“…More social groups’ participation in services in different areas such as planning, delivery, quality control, accountability, training and sensitisation is required (Mamgain & Diwakar, 2012). A study by the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS) reveals that discrimination due to caste is rampant in the MDM scheme in five states of India (Chetty, 2022; Dowarah, 2022; Thorat & Lee, 2005). Another study also confirms a similar finding in the Mandya district of Karnataka as there were protests against the appointment of Dalit cooks in the MDM scheme (Menon, 2003).…”

“…At the same time, malnutrition among school-going children contributes to around 22% of the disease burden in India (National Institute of Nutrition, 2000). The project also addresses issues in marginalised areas and different socio-economic groups by allotting more resources (Chetty, 2022; Dowarah, 2022; Government of India, 1995). The entire process of food procurement, preparation and distribution plays a vital role in the MDM Scheme (Ministry of Education, Government of India, 2021).…”