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Karnataka Opens Barber Shop for Dalits After Years of Caste Discrimination

Authorities in Karnataka's Gadag district have opened a barber shop in Shingatalur village specifically for the Dalit community. This initiative came after years of Dalits being denied basic shaving and haircut services by upper caste barbers in the village. The shop was established under a program aimed at eradicating untouchability and fostering harmonious village life. Local residents expressed relief and happiness, stating the move ensures their dignity and equal access to essential services.

Key Points: Karnataka Opens Barber Shop for Dalits in Gadag

  • Barber shop opened for Dalits in Gadag
  • Initiative promotes social equality
  • Dalits were denied shaving services for years
  • Part of untouchability eradication program
  • Residents forced to travel for haircuts
2 min read

Karnataka: Govt opens barber shop in Gadag for Dalits

Gadag district opens a barber shop for Dalits after they were denied services for years, promoting social equality and access.

"ensure dignity and equal access to essential services - Residents"

Gadag, February 28

A barber shop has been opened in Shingatalur village of Karnataka's Gadag district after members of the Dalit community alleged that they were denied shaving services by upper caste barbers for several years.

The initiative was taken jointly by the Social Welfare Department, Taluk Administration, Taluk Panchayat, Dalit Organisations Union and Shivsharan Hadapada Appanna Samaj to ensure access to basic services and promote social equality.

The barber shop was opened as part of the 'Eradication of Untouchability Awareness and Harmonious Village Life' programme.

Basavaraj Hadapada, a resident of neighbouring Tippapur village, has been provided the shop by the Social Welfare Department and authorised to offer barber services.

According to officials and residents, Dalits in the village had been facing difficulties as they were unable to access barber services locally and were forced to travel to neighbouring villages for haircuts and shaving.

The issue reportedly arose after certain customs related to the Veerabhadreshwara Deva palanquin procession led to the discontinuation of shaving services for members of the Hadapada community in the village.

Following petitions submitted by local Dalits, authorities intervened and facilitated the establishment of the barber shop to ensure access to services without discrimination.

Officials, community leaders and villagers were present during the opening of the barber shop, and residents expressed happiness over the move, stating that it would help ensure dignity and equal access to essential services.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Finally some action! 👏 Kudos to the Social Welfare Department and the local administration for listening to the petitions. Access to basic services is a fundamental right. Hope this sets an example for other villages facing similar discrimination.
R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the initiative, isn't this just treating the symptom? The real problem is the "custom" that led to this discrimination in the first place. The 'Eradication of Untouchability' programme must focus on changing these regressive traditions at the root.
M
Michael C
Reading this from abroad is shocking. How can a religious procession be used to justify denying basic hygiene services? This barber shop is a necessary Band-Aid, but the wound of caste prejudice needs much deeper healing. Respect to Basavaraj Hadapada for taking up the service.
P
Priya S
A small step for dignity. Every citizen deserves to get a shave in their own village without feeling humiliated. Hope the barber shop thrives and becomes a normal part of village life, breaking down these artificial barriers. More power to the community leaders who pushed for this.
V
Vikram M
It's 2025. We talk about digital India and startups, but in many parts of our country, people are fighting for the right to a haircut. This story is a stark reminder of the two Indias that exist. The government's role here is crucial, but so is societal awakening.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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