THE first Rajasthan State Convention of Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch (DSMM) was held on July 25 in Jaipur. The convention highlighted the prevailing conditions of the state’s Dalit population and took resolve to take up fight to meet the challenges. Delegates from various districts expressed deep concern over the increasing exploitation and oppression of Dalits in the ongoing phase of neo-liberalism. There is not a single district in Rajasthan where Dalits are not discriminated against, oppressed and exploited. The convention was inaugurated by CPI(M) Central Committee member and Madhya Pradesh state secretary Badal Saroj. In his inaugural speech, Saroj said that the social composition of our country is very complex and with freedom proving to be a mirage, people have now started believing that “Jaati woh hain ki kabhi nahi jati (caste is something that can never be eliminated)”. He asserted that this must be changed and we must take concrete steps to build a society free from discrimination and exploitation. V Srinivasa Rao, CPI(M) Central Secretariat member and founding-member of DSMM, said the present political structure is such that it pushes Dalits to the margins. Our ruling bourgeois political parties are serving the interests of corporate houses only, and Dalits, poor and women are not on their agenda. Among others, Phoolchand Barbar, former MLA Pemaram, Ramesh Kumar Bairwa, Sanjay Madhav and Kishan Meghwal addressed the convention. The convention passed resolutions demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss issues of Dalits and reservation in private sector. Other resolutions demanded an end to the attack on Dalits in Rajasthan; increased allocations under SC, ST sub plans; publication of caste data of the Socio Economic and Caste Census, 2011; and linking of scholarships with inflation and better facilities at Ambedkar students’ hostels in the state. A 25-member state convening committee was formed at the end of the convention. Kishan Meghawal was elected the state convenor of DSMM. Sanjay Madhav and Ramesh Kumar Bairwa will be co-convenors. Other members include former MLAs Pemaram and Pawan Duggal, Phoolchand Barbar, Bharat Bhati, Maniram Meghawal and Jibanram.