Mangaluru: A district-level grievance meeting for SC/ST representatives at Praja Soudha in Padil on Thursday was postponed after Dalit leaders objected to the absence of Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan HV.The meeting, held after a gap of nearly 18 months, had been scheduled nine days in advance. District minister UT Khader and the deputy commissioner were engaged in disaster-relief reviews across the district. As officials attempted to begin proceedings, Dalit representatives demanded postponement, insisting the deputy commissioner’s presence was essential.Dalit Sangharsha Samiti leaders Raghu Ekkaru and Krishnananda questioned why participants were not informed earlier about the DC’s absence. They said several pressing issues, including land and reservation concerns, required the attention of both the DC and district minister. “With so many people turning up, holding the meeting without the deputy commissioner would be a mere formality. Who will convey our grievances to the government?” they asked.Ekkaru said participants had travelled from places including Sullia, Puttur and Belthangady at their own expense to raise their concerns before the administration. Others noted that many attendees had taken leave from work to participate. Shekhar Laila alleged that the deputy commissioner had not visited the homes of Dalit families despite touring rain-affected areas in Belthangady.Despite attempts by social welfare department officer Hemalatha to pacify the gathering, the representatives remained firm. After speaking with the deputy commissioner on the phone, ADC Raju K announced that the meeting had been rescheduled to August 20. The participants then dispersed, raising ‘Jai Bhim’ slogans.
