India: government is drawing up a report on conditions facing the country's Muslims
Catholic activists appreciate the move but say the same should be done for the Christian community, especially the dalits.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) The Indian government has decided to draw up a report on "social, economic and cultural" conditions of the country's Muslim minority. India's Christians appreciate the move but are asking that the same initiative be taken for their community.
John Dayal, president of the All India Catholic union and secretary-general of the All India Christian Council sent a letter to Justice Rajendra Sachchar, president of the high level committee working on the report. In his message, the Catholic activist expressed appreciation for "government efforts to gather data in social, economic and education fields where true information is lacking, with a view to planning targeted interventions for this religious community".
Issues to be dealt with by the Committee include: the condition of women, the numerous presence of Muslims in many Indian states, child mortality, professional employment and access to public services.
At the same time, Dayal requested that the research undertaken by the Committee be extended to the Christian community, or at least to Dalit (outcaste) Christians. The activist, who is also a member of the National Movement for Dalit Rights, called on Sachchar to press upon the Indian premier and the government of the Union the necessity of this expansion. Or else, said Dayal, a similar committee should be set up to study the financial situation of Christians.
Dalits represent at least 60% of the entire Christian community of India: around around 25 million people. In states like Andhra Pradesh, Tami Nadu, Karnataka and Punjab, they reach 75%. With some exceptions in developed areas like Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore, Christians are among the poorest of the poor. According to the All India Christian Council, the mostly Dalit rural population consists of landless farmers and workers who undertake seasonal, unpaid work.
The 2001 census, added Dayal, revealed that the education levels of Christians in rural and tribal areas are very inferior to those in urban communities, especially among children.
The Archbishop of Delhi, Mgr Vincent Concessao has added his voice to Dayal's plea: in-depth research into conditions facing the Christian community could be an eye-opener for all, including the government and leaders of the Indian Church.
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