Karnataka: A major initiative against untouchability; the government opened a salon after a barber refused to cut the hair of Dalits.

Following the high-handedness of barbers in Gadag, Karnataka, the government launched a historic initiative, opening a “government salon” in a village to eradicate untouchability and caste discrimination.

Karnataka: The Karnataka government has taken a significant step towards eradicating caste discrimination. After local barbers in Singatalur village, Gadag district, refused to provide services to Dalits, the government opened a new salon in the village at its own expense.

This is likely the first government initiative of its kind in the state. This government salon has been built on government land near the village bus stand. Several officials from the Social Welfare Department and the Gram Panchayat were present at the inauguration.

Constructed at a cost of ₹1.2 lakh

The Social Welfare Department spent approximately ₹1.2 lakh on the construction and necessary equipment for this tin-framed shop. Initially, a barber from Mundargi was specially called in to run this salon.

What was the whole controversy?

According to officials, the Hadapada family, traditionally engaged in barbering, had been refusing to cut the hair of Dalits in the village for several years, citing religious beliefs. An official explained that the Hadapada family are devotees of the village deity, Veerbhadreshwar. They believe that the deity visits their homes during a specific time of the year, and therefore, they cannot provide services to Dalits during that time.

The matter escalated when Dalit youth began demanding their legal right to receive services at the village’s only barber shop. They approached the district administration, stating that denying service based on caste is completely illegal.

Administrative Strictness and New Solution

As the controversy escalated, the old shop was closed. Subsequently, the district administration held several meetings with the villagers and the barber community. They were persuaded to reopen the shop and offer services to all sections of society. When negotiations failed, notices were issued threatening legal action, but the problem remained unresolved.

Finally, with no other option left, officials decided to establish a separate government salon to ensure equal rights for all. At the administration’s request, Devu Hadapada, the state president of the Hadapada Annappa Samaj, agreed to send his brother (who is also a barber) to run the new shop.

A Step Towards Social Change

Devou Hadapada supported the move, saying, “It’s very sad that the sick mentality of looking down on the backward classes still exists in society. But we have extended our full support to the government to end such practices. This shop is now open to all communities.”

Mundargi Taluka Panchayat Executive Officer Vishwanath Hosamani explained that the problem had been ongoing for nearly two years. He added, “Now, with the coordination and efforts of all concerned departments, we have been able to find a peaceful solution to the issue.”

Villagers heave a sigh of relief

Villagers have wholeheartedly welcomed the administration’s move. Mariyazza, a resident of Singatalur, expressed hope that this initiative will help eliminate discriminatory practices. She said, “This step has given us hope that this evil practice of untouchability will now end forever.”

Officials also believe that this unique initiative could serve as a role model for addressing such discrimination elsewhere in the state.

Rajan Chaudhary

Courtesy: Hindi News