The practice of untouchability is decreasing recently due to several key reasons:
- Legal abolition: Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolished untouchability, making its practice a crime and promoting equal rights such as access to education, temples, and public facilities for Dalits. This strong legal framework dissuades the practice and facilitates social change.
- Education: Increased education levels among communities, especially Brahmins and OBCs who had higher incidences of untouchability, have led to a decline in the practice. Education brings awareness, undermines caste-based discrimination, and encourages inclusive social attitudes.
- Urbanization and social networks: Urban areas promote greater social mixing that reduces adherence to caste boundaries. People's networks extending outside their own caste community also correlate with less practice of untouchability. Increased migration and connectivity expose people to diverse lifestyles and reduce traditional caste rigidity.
- Rising income: Wealthier households tend to practice untouchability less, thus economic progress and better livelihoods help reduce caste-based discrimination.
- Social reforms and movements: Efforts by social reformers, Dalit movements, and conversions (like neo-Buddhists) have also contributed to weakening the caste stigma and promoting dignity and rights for Dalits.
These factors together contribute to a gradual decrease in the practice of untouchability, although it still exists in certain regions and communities.
