The feasibility of applying the Indian model of empowering dalits to Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

The paper explores the socio-economic similarities between two marginalized communities: scheduled castes and nomadic tribes in India and the Roma of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and focuses on the transferability of the ‘affirmative action’ model of India to address poverty, disempowerment and lack of integration of the Roma in CEE societies. In this context, the European Union`s (EU) Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS) needs to be critically assessed to identify the fault lines in the extant models and suggest a way forward. Due to the acute marginalization of the Roma in CEE countries, stigmatization and xenophobia and a significant lack of political representation. Under the circumstances their progress towards self-empowerment and better governance is extremely slow, if not stunted. Economic and political empowerment instruments, as adopted in India, can be seen as a possible alternative for Roma communities.