Gadag, Feb. 28 -- A barber shop has been opened in Shingatalur village of Karnataka's Gadag district after members of the Dalit community alleged that they were denied shaving services by upper caste barbers for several years.

The initiative was taken jointly by the Social Welfare Department, Taluk Administration, Taluk Panchayat, Dalit Organisations Union and Shivsharan Hadapada Appanna Samaj to ensure access to basic services and promote social equality.

The barber shop was opened as part of the 'Eradication of Untouchability Awareness and Harmonious Village Life' programme.

Basavaraj Hadapada, a resident of neighbouring Tippapur village, has been provided the shop by the Social Welfare Department and authorised to offer barber servi...