Activists demand Devadasi survey with out situation of age restrict

The Bengaluru-based National Law School of India University (NLSIU), which is spearheading efforts to carry a brand new laws for Devadasis, has additionally petitioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah towards any age restrict.

While the contemporary survey — a long-pending demand of the group — had been introduced within the 2024-2025 Budget, the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) just lately directed the federal government to finish the survey and are available out with suggestions earlier than this October.

It is learnt that the survey is being deliberate to be performed by the workplaces of taluk-level little one growth officers, the place Devadasis are anticipated to go and supply their particulars.

While circulars thus far have been silent on the age, group members have been pointing to previous surveys which had been performed equally from workplaces and had stored out ladies under 45 years.

Banned in 1982

The centuries-old follow of dedication of girls to temples as Devadasis has been banned within the State since 1982 when the Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act was enacted. Subsequently, the federal government performed surveys in 1993-1994 and 2007-2008, when 22,873 and 46,660 Devadasis, respectively, had been recognized.

However, Yamunurappa, coordinator of Vimuktha Devadasi Mahila Mathu Makkala Vedike, claimed {that a} comparable variety of Devadasis have remained outdoors the listing owing to a number of points.

“I didn’t even know of a survey being performed. I’ve a Devadasi certificates, however I’m not on the listing. I don’t get any pension,” 74-year-old Honnamma from Harikere in Harappanahalli of Vijayanagara district stated, pointing to a lack of understanding. Being on the listing turns into vital for receiving rehabilitation advantages together with ₹2,000 month-to-month pension.

The demand for house-to-house survey by the crew, which ought to embrace former Devadasis, has come within the mild of allegations that many non-Devadasis had been getting included within the present listing and receiving advantages.

Stigma, lack of understanding

“Earlier, stigma prevented many from popping out within the open and plenty of had been threatened by officers of doable authorized bother in the event that they declared themselves to be Devadasis as a result of it had been banned in 1982. Despite the ban, the custom continued throughout many large temples throughout annual festivals in North Karnataka,” stated Manjula Malige, daughter of a Devadasi and now related to Hosapete-based Sakhi Trust. “The largest hindrance within the earlier two surveys has been the age restrict of 45 and above to qualify to register. Women in North Karnataka additionally migrate for livelihood. There was a lack of understanding in regards to the survey.”

According to R.V. Chandrashekar, researcher in NLSIU, the federal government orders within the earlier surveys remained silent on the age restrict, however they crept in throughout subsequent circulars. “We need the survey to be complete following which a one-time rehabilitation is feasible.”