Gadag: The Karnataka government has opened a barber shop in Shingatalur village of Mundaragi taluk in Gadag district after complaints that local barbers refused to shave and cut the hair of Dalit residents.
Authorities acted after repeated reports of caste based discrimination. Officials said the tehsildar visited the village and instructed barbers to stop the practice, stating it violated the law. When the barbers reportedly refused, the administration coordinated with the Gram Panchayat, Revenue Department, and Taluk Social Welfare Department to open a government run salon.
The new shop has appointed a barber and fixed charges at Rs 100 for a haircut and Rs 75 for a shave. Officials said the facility is open to all residents. In recent days, villagers from different communities have used the services.
Members of the Shivsharan Hadapada Appanna Samaj welcomed the step. They said Dalits had faced denial of grooming services for a long time. Community representatives said earlier meetings with officials failed to convince local barbers to end the practice.
Some activists questioned the approach. Dalit activist Sharif Biliyali argued authorities should enforce laws against caste discrimination instead of opening a separate facility. Progressive thinker Mutha Biliyali also urged strict action, including cancellation of licenses for barbers who refuse service on caste grounds.
Local sources linked the refusal to religious practices observed by some families during Mahanavami. Critics said religious beliefs do not justify discrimination prohibited by law.
