Dalits own just 3.5% of Punjab’s land, despite making up nearly 32% of population

Punjab, with nearly 32 per cent of India's Dalit population, faces significant disparities. Dalits lack adequate representation in politics and own only 3.5 per cent of agricultural land despite comprising a large electorate. They remain fragmented by sub-caste and religious divisions, hindering their political influence. Current cabinet includes five Dalit ministers under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, but historical data shows minimal gains for the community. Economic and social exclusion persists, with lower literacy rates compared to non-Dalits.