Urgent voices from the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) echo in Bengaluru, pressing the Karnataka government for a credible resurvey of ex-Devadasis. The federation exposes deep flaws threatening welfare for these exploited women.
Historically, Devadasi dedication masked sexual slavery for Dalit girls, a scourge banned but not buried. The recent tally of 23,395—versus 46,660 in 2008—prompted outrage. Minister Hebbalkar’s report lacks validation, with zero monitoring sessions amid complaints.
President Jyoti A. rallied, ‘This betrays our most vulnerable.’ Thousands of legitimate cases languish unapproved; supervision falters at local levels; outreach fails. Officials demand impossible papers, ignoring pleas, said secretary Renuka.
No age cap is vital as threats linger, she added. Shekamma uncovered fraud: imposters listed, victims barred. NFIW seeks full audits, rejecting the report for rehab allocations.
This standoff reveals bureaucratic inertia against social reform. Resolute action could transform lives, delivering schemes that empower survivors and dismantle lingering exploitation.