Hyderabad: The chairman of the SC/ST commission, Bakki Venkataiah, expressed concern over the discriminatory practices being followed in some villages and urged the officials concerned to crack the whip against those indulging in such practices.Referring to a ‘two-glass’ system, where separate cups or tumblers are used for different castes, Bakki Venkataiah claimed it is still being practised in some villages. “It is a matter of concern that the ‘two-glass’ system is being practised in some areas. This must be eradicated,” he said. However, Venkataiah did not specify the places and districts where such incidents were reported.The commission visited Jogulamba Gadwal district and Nagarkurnool, held meetings with officials, and called for strong action against caste-based discrimination. At a meeting with officials in Jogulamba Gadwal on Tuesday, he instructed the police and revenue authorities to lay their focus on Rayapuram village, where instances of caste-based discrimination had been reported. Officials told TOI that some years ago, a community had complained about people from a particular caste refusing to offer haircuts in salons and restricting their entry. “We have not received any complaints regarding the ‘two-glass’ system, but if such practices are found, we will take strict against those responsible,” a senior official said. The ‘two-glass’ system is typically observed at tea stalls or similar places, where certain communities are made to drink from separate glasses, which are kept apart from others. Meanwhile, Jogulamba Gadwal Collector BM Santhosh informed the commission that the administration is taking strict action in cases registered against the SC/ST Act. Since Sept 2023, 62 complaints have been registered, of which 19 cases are still under investigation, while chargesheets have been filed in the remaining cases. In one case, an accused has been convicted. The govt has provided Rs 38.75 lakh as compensation to victims in 32 cases, he informed the commission.
