In Uttar Pradesh, it is the schoolchildren who suffer because of the prevailing caste politics. There are innumerable cases of caste-based discrimination against children in government schools. Most of them either go unreported or do not invite any action.

Last year, in Amethi, the principal of a primary school was accused of allegedly forming a “separate queue of Dalit children” for midday meal. She faced action, including a case. There was also a case of segregation of utensils used by Dalit students in Mainpuri district.