In a significant step against caste-based discrimination, the Government of Karnataka has set up a government-funded salon in Singatalur village of Gadag district after local barbers allegedly refused to provide services to members of Dalit communities.
The salon, believed to be the state’s first such government-run initiative, has been established near the village bus stop on government land. Officials from the social welfare department and the gram panchayat were present during its inauguration.
The social welfare department funded the construction of the tin-sheet structure and provided the necessary salon equipment, spending approximately ₹1.2 lakh. A barber was initially brought in from Mundaragi to run the facility.
According to officials, Hadapada families — traditionally engaged in barber services — had for years refused to cut the hair of Dalits in the village, citing religious customs.
"Hadapada families are devotees of the village deity Veerabhadreshwara. Every year, the deity visits their houses during a particular time. The barbers claimed that they cannot serve Dalits during that period,” an official said.
Tensions escalated recently when Dalit youths began asserting their legal right to access services at the village’s lone barber shop. They approached the district administration, arguing that denial of service on the basis of caste was illegal.
The original shop subsequently shut down as the dispute intensified. The district administration held multiple meetings with villagers and members of the barber community, urging them to reopen the shop and offer services to all sections of society. When persuasion failed, notices were issued warning of legal action. However, the warnings did not resolve the issue.
Left with limited options, authorities decided to establish a separate government-funded salon to ensure equal access. Following a request from the administration, Devu Hadapad, State President of Hadapada Annappa Samaja, agreed to send his brother — also a barber — to operate the new shop.
"It is unfortunate that an unhealthy mindset of looking down upon backward communities still exists in society. But we have extended full cooperation to the government to eliminate such practices. This shop is now open for all communities,” Devu Hadapad said.
Vishwanath Hosamani, Executive Officer of Mundaragi Taluk Panchayat, said the issue had persisted for nearly two years. "Now, with the coordinated efforts of all departments concerned, we are able to find an amicable solution to this,” he said.
Villagers have welcomed the move. Mariyajja, a resident of Singatalur, expressed hope that the initiative would help end discriminatory practices.
“This has instilled hope in us that the practice of untouchability will be stopped once and for all,” she said. Officials believe the initiative could serve as a model for addressing similar instances of discrimination elsewhere in the state.
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