Catholic leaders in India are raising concerns over the continued denial of rights to Dalit Christians, accusing the government of sidelining the community. Despite Dalits receiving constitutional protections in India, those who convert to Christianity are often excluded from these benefits.
The Syro-Malabar Church of Changanassery Archdiocese recently issued a circular criticizing both the central and state governments. Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil told Crux Now, “Daily life is becoming difficult due to threats posed by buffer zones, environmental laws, wildlife attacks, forest law stipulations, and waqf legal actions. If public welfare is the goal, intervention by the government is essential.”
The church also pointed out that a government-appointed commission, led by Justice Benjamin Koshy, studied the social and economic conditions of Christian minorities in Kerala. However, the report, submitted on May 17, 2023, has yet to be made public. “If it is alleged that vested interests are behind the non-disclosure of this report, who can deny it?” the circular questioned.
Father Antony Vadakkekara, the Public Relations Officer of the Syro-Malabar Church, highlighted the struggles of Dalit farmers, many of whom belong to the Christian community. “Farmers should be given their due, especially paddy and rubber farmers,” he said. He also called for changes to forest laws to protect farmland from wildlife attacks.
Father Devasagaya Raj, former secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Office for Dalits and Backward Classes, pointed out that Dalit Christians remain economically and socially disadvantaged. “The Scheduled Caste (SC) status of reservation is denied to Dalit Christians, making them economically backward and socially excluded. Honor killings of Dalit Christians, like one in Kerala a few years ago, show that discrimination still exists,” he said.
Catholic leaders are urging the government to ensure equal treatment for all Dalits, regardless of religion, and to address the challenges faced by Christian minorities in India.
