7) You are the Sarpanch of a Panchayat. There is a primary school run by the government in your area. Midday meals are provided to children attending the school. The headmaster has now appointed a new cook in the school to prepare the meals. However, when it is found that cook is from Dalit community, almost half of the children belonging to higher castes are not allowed to take meals by their parents. Consequently the attendance in the schools falls sharply. This could result in the possibility of discontinuation of midday meal scheme, thereafter of teaching staff and subsequent closing down the school. (20 Marks) (250 Words)

(a) Discuss some feasible strategies to overcome the conflict and to create right ambiance.

(b) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?

Answer: As a Sarpanch of Village I am elected head of village choosen by people and my prime duty to act constitutionally and for the welfare of people. Some feasible Stragies:

Moral Suasion
~Telling people it’s their Fundamental Duties to send their ward to schools as per constitutions.
~If the villagers religious then citing examples of how Dalits have contributed to Indepedence of India, upliftment of society, writing constitutions and hence should be given respectful position in society.
Taking Constitutional way
~Telling in Gram Sabha that such actions of ousting Dalit cook/community is unconsitutional and they may get punished for it under “Protection of Civil Liberities Act 1976”
Telling them their duties vs oppurtunities
~If they will not send their children to school, it will injustice to children.
Answer.(b).Responsiblities of different social segments:
~Main role is for women/mothers because they are more linked to children, schools, aaganwadi, food preparation. And they have potential to disseminate positive sentiments about Mid Day meal and immoral act of ousting Dalits.
~Role of women and Self Help Group is important as they can discuss such issues at length and inclusively.
~ Elders of village as also special role as they have revered and mandating image in village setup.
~Religious heads of village acts as interpreters of mythology and religious conscience keepers. They can also help correct people mis-conception about varna system and impure image of Dalits which will help in many other dimensions also for social upliftment of Dalits.
~Role of teacher is immense as they moderate schools and distribute meals, so their role in welcoming any positive move is essential

~Last but not least, role of Children, because they will be future adult so they should be given fair chance to understand social structure.