LoP in Rajya Sabha raises boycott of Dalit cook’s meals; says caste discrimination violates constitutional guarantees
New Delhi: Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday raised concerns in the Upper House over an incident in Odisha where members of a particular community have allegedly refused to allow their children to consume food prepared by a Dalit woman working as a helper-cum-cook at an Anganwadi centre.
According to Kharge, the Anganwadi centre has reportedly been boycotted for the past three months due to caste-based prejudice against the cook.
Terming the matter “extremely serious,” Kharge said such discrimination in the 21st century undermines claims of social reform and unity. He stressed that Anganwadi centres are foundational to early childhood care, nutrition, and development.
“Caste-based discrimination of this nature directly affects children’s physical and cognitive development,” he said, warning that denying children access to nutritious meals could have long-term consequences on their growth and learning outcomes.
Kharge argued that such incidents violate Article 21A of the Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Education, and run contrary to Article 47, which directs the State to raise nutrition levels and improve public health.
He further stated that discrimination based on caste contravenes Articles 14, 15, and 17, which ensure equality before the law, prohibit discrimination, and abolish untouchability.
The Leader of Opposition said the issue should also be viewed in the broader context of caste-based discrimination in workplaces, which impacts the dignity, career progression, and personal security of members of vulnerable communities.
The reported assault of a tribal labourer in Madhya Pradesh,
The suicide of a 28-year-old Dalit government employee in Gujarat, allegedly due to caste harassment,
Allegations of institutional caste bias following the death of an ADGP in Chandigarh.
He asserted that caste-based discrimination is not only unconstitutional but also punishable under existing laws.
Kharge demanded strict and time-bound action in such cases, effective enforcement of constitutional and legal safeguards, and accountability wherever serious violations are found.
The issue has once again brought focus on caste discrimination in public welfare institutions and the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure equality and dignity for all.
