CM orders probe into Dalit ‘bhojanmata’ row

RUDRAPUR: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday ordered a high-level probe into “bhojanmata” row after upper case students in Champawat had boycotted taking meals prepared by a Dalit cook and the woman was removed from her post. Dhami directed deputy inspector general of police (DIG) of Kumaon Nilesh Anand Bharne to investigate the matter and take strict action against the culprits. The CM has directed the DIG to go to the village and investigate the matter.

The 32-year-old woman Sunita Devi joined as “bhojanmata” in government inter college (GIC) at Sukhidhang in Champawat district on December 13. Students of class 6 to 8 of college belonging to upper caste had refused to eat midday meals cooked by her.

She was removed from her post on Tuesday by the education department on the grounds that norms set by the government were not followed by the principal of the college in her appointment. Till Sunita’s appointment, there were two bhojanmatas and both were from upper caste. One of them left the job on attaining 60 years of age and Sunita was appointed against her vacancy.

After her removal, Sunita Devi approached tehsil office in Tanakpur and police outpost in Chalthi and handed over a complaint alleging harassment by parents of upper caste students.

Sharing her ordeal, Sunita Devi said she feels hurt, insulted and harassed after her removal over petty grounds.

“I will apply again for the post when it is advertised in the future. I will try to get my job back and that will be a befitting reply to those who have harassed and insulted me,” she said.

Sunita Devi said initially, she was not even aware that a Dalit woman can be a bhojanmata and can cook food in schools.

“Before being appointed as bhojanmata, I didn’t know a Dalit woman can apply for this post. Till two weeks ago, I used to think that only upper caste women can cook meals in schools,” said Sunita Devi.

She said she feels very hurt and insulted by the behaviour of the parents of students belonging to the upper caste and the way she was removed by the authorities. “My husband and I are daily wagers and earn our livelihood in a remote area like Sukhidhang with great hardships. “My two sons study in the same GIC. I was very happy with my new job as bhojanmata thinking this will help my family financially and we will see some good days. But I was removed from the post within a week due to controversy created by supporters of an upper caste woman who had also applied for this post,” said Sunita. Govind Baudh, president of Bhim Army in Kumoan, said: “We welcome CM’s order for inquiry into this matter. But there needs to be an unbiased inquiry. The Dalit woman should get justice.”

Devendra Bisht, in charge of Chalthi police outpost in Champawat, reached the college and initiated investigation into the matter. Pradeep Tamta, Rajya Sabha MP and a senior Congress leader, said the Congress will agitate to ensure the woman gets her job back.

“The refusal by students to take the meals cooked by her is not their fault; it is the fault of their parents, who haven’t taught them the basic values and staying away discrimination on the basis of caste,” he said.

Devendra Bhasin, BJP state vice president, said the state government has taken the matter very seriously and that is why chief minister has directed DIG Kumaon to investigate it and take action against the culprits.