Centre writes to UP Govt on students spurning Dalit cooks

The Centre has shot off a letter to the Mayawati Government expressing concern over incidents of students in government schools...

The Centre has shot off a letter to the Mayawati Government expressing concern over incidents of students in government schools in the state refusing to eat mid-day meals cooked by Dalit women. Two such incidents were reported in December.

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has expressed its displeasure in the letter, which was sent last week. Ministry officials say that the cases are being seen as “suppression of a Dalit woman” and are being treated more seriously since they have taken place in a state itself ruled by a Dalit leader.

Officials at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment confirmed that the letter had been sent. Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary P K Mishra’s office also confirmed receiving the note and forwarding it to the department and officials concerned.

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The letter, addressed to Chief Minister Mayawati, says: “Such incidents socially disrupt the society and create ill-will among different sections. They also exhibit the vulnerable position of the Dalits in the social structure…”

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar is reported to have taken note of the incidents herself and directed her officials to ask the Mayawati Government “to resolve such issues strictly and ensure there was no recurrence”.

The ministry has reportedly also sought a detailed report from the Mayawati Government on the incidents and the action taken, if any.

Last month, in government-run schools in village Bibipur in Lucknow and village Hazratpur in Etawah district, students had refused to eat food prepared by Dalit cooks under the mid-day meal scheme.

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After a week-long controversy, the cook in Bibipur, Phool Kumari, was replaced by an OBC woman, whereas in Hazratpur, the matter was resolved through talks.