Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - Discrimination related to caste, child labor, early marriage of girls and chronic malnutrition are some of the most serious problems affecting the Indian population. Castes and subcastes are many, even if the main ones are four, three superior and one inferior. Then there are the untouchables, the Dalits, who are not in any caste and are completely marginalized, despite being 165 million. They are considered carriers of impurities and to avoid "infecting" other people they are forced to not to use glasses to drink but use their hands. They are not deemed worthy of eating in plates or leaves and must do so directly from the ground or on a stone. Thirteen million children are socially excluded, forced to work to survive. Many are sold by their own families for less than 1,000 rupees (13.15 euro), in particular girls, who are exploited as domestic servants, often suffering abuse. 60 million children live below the poverty line. 47% of girls are forced to marry before the age of 18. In the country, which has the highest infant mortality rate, chronic malnutrition affects 62 million children. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 28/11/2014)
