What is life without education? DARK.

The plight of historically wronged Valmikis | Part III

Meena Gill is an excellent student. She aspired to be a doctor and serve patients. She had to quit dreaming because professional courses are not meant for her. She is a Valmiki – a victim of Article 35A.

Meena was ambitious. If not a professional course like MBBS, IAS it is then. She had to give up midway. She now gives tuitions, worrying about her and her students’ bleak future.

Hers is not an isolated case.

19-year-old Radhika Gill is a fine athlete, having won several medals for Jammu and Kashmir. She wished to join Border Security Force and did manage to pass all the tests during a recruitment rally. She was outrightly denied the job on account of Article 35A.

Similar is the story of every talented member of Valmiki community residing in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, where Article 35A reigns supreme.

Their first generation, brought from Punjab in 1957, was happy to find a government school for their children built in their locality. It gradually came to the fore what violation of rights they have been subjected to, when their children grew up and sought admission in higher educational institutions. They were prompted to knock the doors of the Supreme Court to let it decide their fate.

“Our children are plainly refused admissions in professional courses. Even if they manage to get higher education in other courses, they can’t find permanent jobs at the state level as per their educational qualification,” states Garu Bhatti, president, Valmiki Samaj, Jammu.

He adds, “Everything went well for earlier generations, who had regular sweeper jobs, free housing, and other basic amenities. The problem arose with newer generation wanting to take admission in higher education and venture into jobs other than that in JMC.”

Nindi’s two sons have completed their Class 12^th, presently working as safai karamcharis on contractual basis. “Conventionally, when a father retires or expires, his son is employed as a sweeper,” she explains the vicious circle they are a part of.

Why did her sons not study further? One, because however educated they are, they qualify for the job of a sweeper only. Two, higher education does not mean promotion from sweeper to an officer. Three, government colleges and state universities demand Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) for admission, which they do not have.

“Who likes to lift waste generated by others, especially when one is educated? It is demoralizing for children. Government has left us with no option but to bear this slavery.” Nindi raises the ruling concern of Valmikis.

Thomas remarks, “Although private colleges and universities do not ask for PRC, their fees are too high for us. Affordable Colleges and Universities in other states, Central Institutes like IGNOU are an alternative choice for us.” He is a graduate in Arts from Government MAM PG College, Jammu.

“Pertinently, we are not entitled to scholarships meant for Below Poverty Line or Scheduled Castes, even though we belong to both the categories,” the community laments, adding that they have not been provided with SC certificates.

Dipankar Sen Gupta, Professor of Economics, University of Jammu, says that the community in question is not on the J&K State List for SCs, therefore, unable to avail reservation at the education level.

“They might be unaware that if they have graduated from a college affiliated to JU, they fall in Category 1 which is not required to produce PRC at the time of admission – without quota benefit. Given their social status, it is all the more difficult for them to seek admission in higher education through general category.”

Sonu, a resident of Valmiki Colony, remarks that despite the hardships, Valmikis are encouraging their children to study, with whatever financial resources they have. “You’ll find most of our children studying in good schools. We feel that education is the only beacon of hope that can drift the newer generations away from fraud and humiliation. The educated ones might be in a better place than us.”

Her daughter is in Class 10^th at Dogra Academy. She knows the dire condition of Valmikis in the state, accordingly, she has decided to opt for a central government job – an IPS officer.

Also: Read my article at THE NEWS NOW