PROACTIVE ROLE IN PROTECTING RESERVATION
After careful study of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Reservation in Posts and Services) Bill, 2008, CADAM observed that a huge number of meetings had been taking place that pose shortcomings and adversely affect interests of the SCs and STs. CADAM-NACDOR prepared comments on this Bill and circulated across the country. On 4th February Dalit organisations, including CADAM, organized a protest and Dharna at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. A memorandum was sent to the Prime Minister of India. In order to take the struggle forward and as the national platform and united voice of Dalit organizations created by CADAM, NACDOR gave a call to “BURN THE BILL” on 12 February, 2009. Dalits responded hugely to the call and “BURN THE BILL” movement took place in full swing in more than 681 locations in more than 15 states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. NACDOR lobbied with the Members of Parliament of different political parties, including the Left, BSP, Janata Dal, the BJP, etc. On 17th February, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha invited SC/ST ministers in the government and MPs and Leaders of Dalit Civil Society to discuss the Bill. With NACDAOR’s comments coming handy, the Government promised to present the Bill with amendments. The same day, Members of Parliament did not allow the question hour and the government was forced to promise on the floor to present the Bill with the amendments.