The Problem

National Context

Historically, Dalits in India faced severe caste-based exclusion, poverty, and limited access to education and land. Post-independence, constitutional safeguards and welfare schemes have improved their access to education, rights, and political representation.

While a small section of Dalits has achieved financial progress, the majority still relies on low-income, informal labor. Although social awareness, dignity, and legal protection have improved, discrimination and violence persist, particularly in rural areas.

Compared to business-class communities, Dalits have made significant progress but continue to lag in income, assets, land ownership, and opportunities.

Regional Context

Dalits in Rayalaseema continue to face challenges from deep-rooted caste hierarchies, leading to landlessness and economic dependence. Many families experience poverty, debt, and a lack of land, often resorting to seasonal migration for survival. Social discrimination persists in villages, restricting access to shared resources, and Dalit women are particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation. While government initiatives exist, corruption and local politics often prevent benefits from reaching the most impoverished. Though some Dalit youth access education and jobs, the majority still lack stable livelihoods and equal opportunities.