What does Article 17 ensure?

Article 17 untouchability is abolished and no one can prevent Dalits from educating themselves, entering temples, using public facilities etc. It also means that it is wrong to practise untouchability and that this practice will not be tolerated by a democratic government. In fact, untouchability is a punishable crime now. 

Further Reading:

• Constituent Assembly Debate on Untouchability
• Fundamental Rights – Articles 12-35