Casteism even in death: Odisha civic body operates 'Brahmins only' crematorium

Casteism even in death: Odisha civic body operates 'Brahmins only' crematorium

Controversy erupted in Odisha as the Kendrapara Municipality faced criticism for running a crematorium exclusively for Brahmins. Despite historical use for Brahmin last rites, the official 'Brahmin crematorium' signage sparked outrage after recent renovations funded by the government. Dalit activists and political figures condemned the practice as discriminatory and illegal, citing constitutional violations and advocating for equal rights to cremate loved ones irrespective of caste, denouncing the perpetuation of caste-based inequality.

Synopsis Controversy erupted in Odisha as the Kendrapara Municipality faced criticism for running a crematorium exclusively for Brahmins. Despite historical use for Brahmin last rites, the official 'Brahmin crematorium' signage sparked outrage after recent renovations funded by the government. Dalit activists and political figures condemned the practice as discriminatory and illegal, citing constitutional violations and advocating for equal rights to cremate loved ones irrespective of caste, denouncing the perpetuation of caste-based inequality. TOI.in A civic body in Odisha has drawn flak for operating a crematorium in which only bodies of Brahmins are cremated. The 155-year-old Kendrapara Municipality, the oldest civic body in the eastern state, has even put up a 'Brahmin crematorium' signage at the entrance of the burning ghat at Hazaribagicha locality in the town. Local sources said that although the crematorium was used for performing the last rites of Brahmins for a long time, the official signage was recently put up after the renovation of the facility with government grants. People from other castes cremate their kin at another nearby crematorium, which was also renovated in the recent haul-up, they said. "Yes, the issue has come to our notice and we are looking into it. Steps will be taken to set right the alleged caste discrimination," Prafulla Chandra Biswal , Executive Officer of Kendrapara Municipality, said. The matter has drawn flak from Dalit rights activists and political leaders. Nagendra Jena, district unit president of Odisha Dalit Samaj , "I was shocked to know that the municipality has been maintaining a crematorium only for Brahmins for a long time. By doing so, the government body is breaking the law and promoting caste discrimination. This practice should be put to an end at the earliest." CPI(M) district unit secretary Gayadhar Dhal said it is illegal for a civic body to run a crematorium only for Brahmins. "People from other castes should also have the right to perform the last rites of their dear ones at the cremation ground," he said. Dhal said that the ' Brahmins only ' crematorium violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution to people of all castes. Allocating a separate cremation ground for Brahmins amounts to encouraging caste inequality, he added. Experience Your Economic Times Newspaper, The Digital Way! Tuesday, 21 Nov, 2023 Read Complete ePaper » Digital View Print View Wealth Edition Strictures Leave IPO Financing at a Dead End The initial public offering (IPO) market is red hot, with five issues worth ₹7,400 crore opening for subscription this week, but enthusiasm is muted among finance companies that have historically lent to bidders in such share sales. All in a Weekend: Altman Gets MS Office, OpenAI a New Boss OpenAI co founder Sam Altman is joining Microsoft as the head of a new AI research group while ex-Twitch boss Emmett Shear is set to take over as the interim CEO of the ChatGPT maker, in a surprise turn of events for the startup at the heart of an artificial intelligence boom. CVs Set for Heavy-Duty FY24 Sales Sales of commercial vehicles, a barometer of economic activity, are expected to hit an all-time high in FY24, fetching record revenue for companies such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and VE Commercial Vehicles. Read More News on Brahmins only crematorium Kendrapara Odisha Dalit rights activists odisha dalit samaj prafulla chandra biswal (Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times .) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News. ... more less Prime Exclusives Investment Ideas Stock Report Plus ePaper Wealth Edition SBI, Bajaj Fin, Axis Bank face the heat of unsecured lending norms. What should investors do next? Trust deficit? Some students cry foul over UpGrad’s refund policy, allege misrepresentation. Planning a ‘skinny jab’? The truth behind miracle weight-loss drugs 3 insights to kick-start your day, featuring government’s eye on Sahara’s money Inside the proposed Reliance-Disney Star deal and what it means for the OTT industry Stock Radar: BEL may hit fresh record highs in short term. Time to add defence stocks to portfolio? 1 2 3 View all Stories

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