hi INDiA Copyright 2022-2050
And under this current system of categorising only Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh Dalit people as Scheduled Caste, many Dalits who converted to other religions find it difficult accessing affirmative action (reservation) schemes.
According to the government notification constituting the Commission, certain groups have raised queries about revisiting the existing definition of SC and requested to include Dalits from other religions as well in the category. On the other hand, many other groups, representing the current SC communities have objected to this move, stating that it would have a negative impact on the existing communities.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, the government notification said that, “any change in definition in this regard should be on the basis of detailed and definitive study and extensive consultation with all stakeholders”.
Apart from Justice Balakrishnan, the three member commission also includes Professor Sushma Yadav, member, UGC, and retired IAS officer Ravinder Kumar Jain. According to the government notification, the Commission will examine the changes Scheduled Caste persons go through upon converting to other religions in terms of their customs, traditions, social and other status discrimination and deprivation and the implications of the same on the question of giving them Scheduled Caste status.
The Commission has been asked to submit its report within a period of two years from the date of taking over of charge by the Chairperson.
Also read: Scheduled Caste or BC? Dalit Christians damned both ways