Members of the Hakki Pikki community, a nomadic group, recently staged a vigorous protest march in Belagavi. Their urgent demand is simple yet critical: full inclusion in the ongoing social and educational survey, which commenced this Monday.
The demonstration, organized by the Zilla Hakki Pikki Sangha alongside the Karnataka State Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, took place at Kittur Channamma Circle. Protesters passionately called for their community to be recognized and counted in the survey, currently being conducted by the Backward Classes Commission.
Following their spirited gathering, the community members marched directly to the District Collector’s Office, where they presented their appeals to the district administration, emphasizing the importance of their demands.
A key concern raised by the protestors is the survey’s methodology. They argued that “census officials have primarily identified survey ‘nodal points’ based on electricity meters. This approach risks excluding the Hakki Pikki community, as many of its members reside in humble huts lacking electricity or other basic amenities. Furthermore, some live in remote tribal hamlets situated on forest fringes, areas that enumerators might easily overlook.”
They highlighted a disparity, stating, “While Hakki Pikki communities in Shivamogga, Mysuru, Davangere, and Bengaluru have successfully obtained Scheduled Tribes caste certificates and received infrastructural support, approximately 50 to 60 families in Belagavi district are still awaiting theirs.” They strongly urged for specific, targeted efforts to ensure every member of their community is included in this vital survey.
Prominent community leaders, including Dayanand Hakki Pikki, Rajashekar Hindalagi, Karthik Talawar, Raju Hakki Pikki, and Ravi Madar, were among those leading the protest.
Addressing the concerns, Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan confirmed that the challenges faced by nomadic communities like the Hakki Pikki are well-known to the government, and clear guidelines for their enumeration have been established.
Mr. Roshan further informed reporters, “We have engaged with the Backward Classes Commission regarding this matter and are awaiting further instructions. Our plan is to gather all Hakki Pikki community members in a centralized location to conduct the survey, either offline or in a dedicated camp mode. We are also advising community members to compile any available documents that could assist with the enumeration process.”