In this paper presented at the PACS Programme’s national conference on ‘Empowering Livelihoods: State Policy, Private Initiatives and Civil Society Action’ (New Delhi, October 2005), Professor Sukhdev Thorat, chairman, University Grants Commission and an expert on Dalit issues, addresses two interrelated issues.

Firstly, he elaborates the nature and dimensions of “exclusion-linked deprivation” of socially disadvantaged groups, particularly dalits. He explains the concept and meaning of caste-based exclusion, and its implications on poverty of excluded groups.

Prof. Thorat then provides empirical evidence of caste-based exclusion and denial of rights to dalits in the civil, social, cultural, political and economic spheres, leading to lack of income-earning capital assets and poor access to work and resources. The analysis of exclusion and discrimination is based on surveys, macro and micro level studies and state studies.

The paper includes discussions on access to justice, the role of judiciary and deprivations suffered by dalit women.

To read the full paper in PDF format click here.