Dalit Pregnant Women and Caste Prejudice

Abstract

It has been more than 60 years since independence of India but the fundamental rights envisaged in the Constitution of India have still not fully reached the dalit community. The traditional influential social forces still put hurdles in the path of dalit communities preventing them from enjoying their fundamental rights. Incidences of discrimination, untouchability and atrocities on dalits still remain in many ways which violate their right to life. This situation of the dalit communities has often been reflected in the public services accessed by them. It is clear that public services in the villages like anganwadi, hospitals and schools contribute significantly to the development of people. But it is found that Dalitwomenface caste based discrimination during their pregnancy and the public service‐ Janani Surakhsa Yojana meant for them cannot be accessed by them easily and effectively. Through this study an attempt has been made to know and understand up to what extent dalit community women have access to the health care services for pre‐pregnancy, during delivery and postpartum care and whether there are some impediments that are coming in their way.