As preparations are below approach for the third survey of Devadasis in Karnataka, the group members have urged the State authorities to conduct the door-to door survey with out fixing any age restrict to determine the Devadasis — now concentrated largely in 15 northern districts.

The Bengaluru-based Nationwide Legislation Faculty of India College (NLSIU), which is spearheading efforts to deliver a brand new laws for Devadasis, has additionally petitioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah towards any age restrict.

Whereas the recent survey — a long-pending demand of the group — had been introduced within the 2024-2025 Funds, the Karnataka State Human Rights Fee (SHRC) not too long ago directed the federal government to finish the survey and are available out with suggestions earlier than this October.

It’s learnt that the survey is being deliberate to be carried out via the places of work of taluk-level baby growth officers, the place Devadasis are anticipated to go and supply their particulars.

Whereas circulars to this point have been silent on the age, group members have been pointing to previous surveys which had been carried out equally from places of work and had stored out girls under 45 years.

Banned in 1982

The centuries-old apply of dedication of girls to temples as Devadasis has been banned within the State since 1982 when the Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act was enacted. Subsequently, the federal government carried out surveys in 1993-1994 and 2007-2008, when 22,873 and 46,660 Devadasis, respectively, had been recognized.

Nonetheless, Yamunurappa, coordinator of Vimuktha Devadasi Mahila Mathu Makkala Vedike, claimed {that a} comparable variety of Devadasis have remained exterior the record owing to a number of points.

“I didn’t even know of a survey being carried out. I’ve a Devadasi certificates, however I’m not on the record. I don’t get any pension,” 74-year-old Honnamma from Harikere in Harappanahalli of Vijayanagara district stated, pointing to a lack of information. Being on the record turns into essential for receiving rehabilitation advantages together with ₹2,000 month-to-month pension.

The demand for house-to-house survey by the group, which ought to embrace former Devadasis, has come within the gentle of allegations that many non-Devadasis had been getting included within the present record and receiving advantages.

Stigma, lack of information

“Earlier, stigma prevented many from popping out within the open and lots of had been threatened by officers of attainable authorized hassle in the event that they declared themselves to be Devadasis as a result of it had been banned in 1982. Regardless of the ban, the custom continued throughout many massive temples throughout annual gala’s in North Karnataka,” stated Manjula Malige, daughter of a Devadasi and now related to Hosapete-based Sakhi Belief. “The largest hindrance within the earlier two surveys has been the age restrict of 45 and above to qualify to register. Girls in North Karnataka additionally migrate for livelihood. There was a lack of information in regards to the survey.”

Based on R.V. Chandrashekar, researcher in NLSIU, the federal government orders within the earlier surveys remained silent on the age restrict, however they crept in throughout subsequent circulars. “We wish the survey to be complete following which a one-time rehabilitation is feasible.”