SCHEDULED CASTE TO DALIT
Scheduled Castes (SC) is a term used in India to refer to historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups within the country. These groups have been subjected to social discrimination and exclusion for centuries. The term "Scheduled Castes" is recognized in the Constitution of India as a way to address the social and economic disparities faced by these communities.
Key points about Scheduled Castes in India:
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Constitutional Recognition: The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, includes provisions to uplift and protect the rights of Scheduled Castes. Articles 341 and 342 specify the President's power to specify castes, races, or tribes as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, respectively.
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Reservations: One of the significant measures for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes is the provision for reservations in education, government jobs, and legislative bodies. A certain percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs are reserved for Scheduled Castes to ensure representation and opportunities.
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Social and Economic Empowerment: The government has implemented various schemes and programs to address social and economic disparities among Scheduled Castes. These programs aim to improve education, healthcare, employment, and living conditions for these communities.
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Census Data: The Census of India collects data on Scheduled Castes, providing demographic information on their population distribution across various states and union territories.
According to the 2011 Census, the scheduled castes population in India amounts to 20,13,78,086, constituting 16.6% of the total population.
In the 2001 Census, this percentage was slightly lower at 16.2%. In rural areas, 15,38,50,562 individuals belong to scheduled castes, while in urban areas, the count is 4,75,27,524. Scheduled castes make up 18.5% of the total rural population and 12.6% of the urban population.
Notably, from 2001 to 2011, the decadal growth rate for the scheduled castes was 20.8%, surpassing the overall population growth rate of India, which was 17.64%. In rural areas, the growth rate was lower at 15.7%, while in urban areas, it was higher at 41.3%, attributed to migration from villages to towns and cities.
| The states with the highest proportion of scheduled castes in 2011, in descending order, are Punjab (31.9%), Himachal Pradesh (25.2%), West Bengal (23.5%), Uttar Pradesh (20.7%), and Haryana (20.2%). Conversely, the states and union territories with the lowest proportion, in ascending order, are Mizoram (0.1%), Meghalaya (0.6%), Goa (1.7%), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (1.8%), and Daman and Diu (2.5%). It's worth noting that Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep Islands have no scheduled castes population |
| State | Population of Scheduled Castes (in lakh) | Percentage in the total population of the country |
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| Uttar Pradesh | 412.8 | 20.5% |
| West Bengal | 215.4 | 10.7% |
| Bihar | 170.05 | 8.2% |
| Tamil Nadu | 144.99 | 7.2% |
| Andhra Pradesh | 138.95 | 6.9% |
| Maharashtra | 132.9 | 6.6% |
- SCs have often been subject to social discrimination, untouchability, and segregation. Despite legal prohibitions, these practices continue in some areas, impacting their social integration and dignity
- Economic disparities persist among SCs, leading to a lower socio-economic status. Limited access to resources, job opportunities, and financial services contribute to these disparities
- While there have been improvements, educational attainment among SCs tends to be lower compared to other communities. Access to quality education, dropout rates, and a lack of representation in higher education institutions remain concerns
- SCs often face discrimination in the workplace, limiting their access to employment opportunities and career growth. Reservation policies aim to address this, but challenges persist
- Many SCs in rural areas face landlessness and have limited access to agricultural resources. Land reforms and equitable distribution of resources are crucial to address these challenges
- Health services may be inadequate in some SC-dominated areas, leading to disparities in health outcomes. Malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to sanitation contribute to health challenges
- Despite legal safeguards, instances of violence, atrocities, and discrimination against SCs still occur. Effective implementation of laws and awareness campaigns are essential to curb such incidents
- SCs may face challenges in political representation, limiting their influence in decision-making processes. Affirmative action policies aim to address this, but increased participation is necessary
- Migration from rural to urban areas can lead to challenges such as inadequate housing, limited job opportunities, and social integration issues for SC communities
- While various social welfare programs and schemes have been implemented to uplift SCs, their effectiveness may be hampered by issues such as corruption, lack of awareness, and insufficient implementation at the grassroots level
- According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the rate of crimes against Dalits has increased significantly over the past decade, rising from less than 50 incidents per million people to 223 in 2015. Among Indian states, Rajasthan has the highest record of such crimes, while Bihar consistently ranks among the top five states for crimes against Dalits.
- Many social scientists have questioned the belief that economic advancement of Dalits alone can reduce the incidence of crimes against them. A significant portion of crimes committed against Dalits go unreported due to fear of retaliation, intimidation by police, and the inability to pay bribes demanded by law enforcement.
- A report titled 'Quest for Justice' by the National Dalit Movement for Justice (NDMJ), released in 2020, assessed the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and analyzed NCRB data on crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) from 2009 to 2018. The report found that while crimes against Dalits increased by 6% during this period, with over 3.91 lakh atrocities reported, there were significant gaps in the implementation of the Act and its associated rules.
- The report also highlighted a decrease of around 1.6% in the crime rate against Scheduled Tribes, with a total of 72,367 crimes being recorded from 2009 to 2018. Additionally, it flagged the rise in violence against Dalit and Adivasi women and noted that, on average, 88.5% of cases under the Prevention of Atrocities Act remained pending trial during this period.
- Experts argue that economic empowerment alone is not enough to address caste-based discrimination and violence. According to Pratap Bhanu Mehta, economic advancement may not diminish the psychological traumas of caste; instead, it could create more conflict as the empowerment of marginalized groups is perceived as a threat to the power and privileges of dominant castes.
- Despite efforts to decrease caste discrimination and increase access to social programs, Dalits continue to face significant challenges. They have the lowest average asset ownership among various social groups in India, and their political representation remains abysmal, with Scheduled Caste candidates finding it extremely difficult to get elected from unreserved seats, as shown by data from the Trivedi Centre for Political Data at Ashoka University.
- While some benefits of social programs and government policies designed to increase primary education rates can be noticed, the Dalit literate population still remains much lower than the rest of India. There remains hostility, oppression, and flaws in social programs that prevent an increase in education growth among Dalits.
- Discrimination against Dalits persists in various forms, including insults, humiliation, and denial of access to places of worship, cultural processions, and basic facilities like clean toilets and mid-day meals for Dalit children. Dalit women are often branded as witches, leading to social ostracization of their families within villages.
- Even public servants, who are supposed to protect Dalits, sometimes fall prey to caste prejudice and work against their rights, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of caste-based discrimination in Indian society
Untouchability Persists: Despite being legally abolished, the practice of untouchability still prevails in many villages, particularly in states like Rajasthan. Dalits are often denied access to public resources like wells and temples.
Political Dimensions: The Dalit movement, akin to identity movements worldwide, has narrowed its focus to addressing specific forms of oppression. The most visible Dalit movements have centered around issues like reservations and discrimination in educational institutions, which affect only a small portion of the Dalit population. Increasingly, Dalits are perceived as a threat to the established social, economic, and political dominance of upper castes, and crimes against them are seen as a way to assert caste superiority. Stagnant farm incomes have caused disquiet among agrarian middle-caste groups, who perceive their rural dominance weakening. The growing competition for Dalit votes by political parties has added a new dimension to this long-simmering conflict.
Economic Factors: Rising living standards and educational achievements of Dalits appear to have led to a backlash from historically privileged communities. Studies suggest that an increase in the consumption expenditure ratio of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes relative to upper castes is associated with an increase in crimes committed by the latter against the former. As Dalits challenge caste barriers due to their improved economic status, it may have caused resentment among upper caste groups, leading to a backlash. However, the rise in reported crimes could also be due to increased registration and recognition of such offenses. Land disputes account for a significant portion of atrocities committed against Dalits.
Educational Institutions: In public schools and universities, Dalits often face discrimination, such as being excluded from serving meals to upper castes, being forced to sit outside classrooms, and being assigned tasks like cleaning toilets. Many faculty positions reserved for Dalits remain vacant, and Dalit students frequently encounter discrimination, as exemplified by the recent suicides of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi.
Dalit Women: Dalit women and girls face a disproportionately higher rate of violence compared to women of other castes, often from a younger age. According to the National Family Health Survey, 33.2% of Scheduled Caste women experience physical violence by the age of 15, compared to 19.7% for women of other categories. This violence persists largely due to a sense of impunity among dominant castes. Dalit women and girls are frequently targeted in hate crimes, and access to justice remains abysmal, with conviction rates as low as 16.8%. Experts and activists attribute the low conviction rates and lack of prosecution as reasons for the continued rise in crimes against Dalits.
Political Power Limitations: Even when Dalit women acquire political power, such as being elected as village heads (sarpanches), they often lack protection against the social power structures that sanction violence and discrimination against them.
Workplace Violence: Dalit women migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to occupational injuries due to risky workplaces and lack of labor rights protection measures. The emerging problem of short-term subcontracting makes it difficult for them to claim compensation for workplace injuries. Dalit women are also vulnerable to abuse and exploitation by employers, migration agents, corrupt bureaucrats, and criminal gangs, with enslavement and trafficking contributing to the migration of a large proportion of Dalit women
The Constitution of India includes several provisions and mechanisms to uplift Scheduled Castes (SCs) and protect their rights. These constitutional safeguards aim to address the historical discrimination and social disadvantages faced by SCs.
Key constitutional mechanisms for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes include:
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Reservations: Article 15(4) and Article 16(4) of the Constitution allow the state to make special provisions for the advancement of SCs in educational institutions and public employment. Reservation quotas are allocated in educational institutions, government jobs, and legislative bodies to ensure representation and opportunities for SCs.
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Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Enacted under Article 17 of the Constitution, this legislation criminalizes the practice of untouchability and provides protection against atrocities committed against SCs and Scheduled Tribes (STs). It also prescribes punishments for offenses.
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National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC): Established under Article 338 of the Constitution, the NCSC is a constitutional body that safeguards the rights and interests of SCs. It monitors the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards and investigates specific complaints regarding the deprivation of rights.
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Special Officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: Article 338A provides for the appointment of a Special Officer for SCs and STs. This officer, known as the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, ensures the implementation of constitutional provisions related to SCs and STs.
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Reservation in Local Self-Government: The Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992, and the Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act, 1992, introduced reservations for SCs in Panchayats and Municipalities to promote their participation in local self-governance.
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Economic and Social Development Programs: The government implements various economic and social development programs specifically targeting SCs. These programs aim to uplift the socio-economic status of SC communities through initiatives in education, healthcare, employment, and skill development.
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Financial Assistance and Scholarships: The government provides financial assistance, scholarships, and other support measures to SC students pursuing education at different levels. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the economic barriers to education.
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Promotion of Entrepreneurship: Policies and programs are designed to promote entrepreneurship among SCs, providing financial assistance, training, and other support to encourage economic self-reliance.
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Special Component Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): These are financial planning instruments that allocate a specific proportion of the total plan outlay for the welfare of SCs and STs, respectively. This ensures dedicated financial resources for their development.
| Article | Description |
| Article 17 | The Constitution abolishes the practice of untouchability and declares its practice in any form as a punishable offense |
| Article 15 | Article 15 prohibits discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth |
| Article 15(4) | The Constitution allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including the reservation of seats in educational institutions |
| Article 16(4) | The Constitution permits the State to reserve appointments or posts in favor of any backward class that is not adequately represented in the services under the State. |
| Article 330 and 332 | The Constitution provides for the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and State Legislative Assemblies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes |
| Article 338 | The Constitution establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to monitor the implementation of safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes and to investigate and make recommendations on specific grievances. |
| Article 38 and 46 | The Directive Principles of State Policy require the State to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order in which justice – social, economic, and political – shall inform all the institutions of national life and to protect the Scheduled Castes from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. |
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives and schemes aimed at the development and upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SCs). These initiatives cover a wide range of areas, including education, employment, healthcare, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. Some key government initiatives for Scheduled Caste development include:
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Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme: This scholarship scheme provides financial assistance to SC students pursuing post-matriculation education. It covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other incidental expenses.
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Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme: Similar to the post-matric scholarship, this scheme focuses on providing financial aid to SC students at the pre-matriculation level.
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Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana: Under this scheme, the government supports the construction of hostels for SC students, providing them with residential facilities near educational institutions.
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Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes: These scholarships aim to benefit students from economically backward SC families, providing financial assistance for their education.
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National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students: This fellowship supports SC students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs, providing financial assistance for research activities.
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Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes: This initiative promotes entrepreneurship among SC entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance for starting and expanding their businesses.
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National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): NSFDC provides financial assistance and support for income-generating activities, skill development, and self-employment ventures for SC beneficiaries.
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Stand-Up India Scheme: This scheme encourages entrepreneurship among SCs, Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women by facilitating bank loans for setting up greenfield enterprises.
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Skill Development Initiatives: Various skill development programs and initiatives are implemented to enhance the employability of SC youth, making them more competitive in the job market.
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Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for SC/ST Students: This scheme provides interest subsidies on educational loans for SC students pursuing higher education abroad.
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Mahila Samridhi Yojana: This scheme supports women from SC families by providing training and financial assistance for income-generating activities.
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Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana: This scheme focuses on the integrated development of SC majority villages, addressing their socio-economic needs through various development projects
The transition from the term "Untouchables" to "Dalits" represents a significant process of identity formation and assertion for the oppressed communities in India. Here's an overview of this process:
- Historical Background:
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- The term "Untouchables" was a derogatory label imposed by the caste system on certain communities considered "impure" and "polluting."
- These communities faced severe discrimination, social exclusion, and denial of basic human rights due to their perceived low status in the caste hierarchy.
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- Emergence of the Term "Dalit":
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- The term "Dalit" (meaning "oppressed" or "broken" in Sanskrit) was first introduced by the Marathi activist and writer Jyotirao Phule in the 19th century.
- It was later popularized by the Dalit Panther Movement in Maharashtra in the 1970s, which sought to challenge the caste system and reclaim the identity of oppressed communities.
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- Rejection of the Label "Untouchable":
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- The term "Untouchable" was seen as dehumanizing and a symbol of the oppression imposed by the caste system.
- The adoption of the term "Dalit" was a conscious effort to reject the imposed identity and assert a new, self-chosen identity based on their shared experience of oppression and marginalization.
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- Political and Social Mobilization:
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- The Dalit movement gained momentum through the writings and activism of leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who championed the cause of Dalit rights and social justice.
- The movement aimed to challenge the caste system, demand equal rights and opportunities, and promote the empowerment and dignity of Dalits.
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- Identity Formation and Assertion:
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- The term "Dalit" became a rallying cry for the oppressed communities, representing their collective struggle against caste-based discrimination and oppression.
- It served as a unifying force, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared identity among diverse communities that had previously been divided by the caste system.
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- Reclaiming Dignity and Human Rights:
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- The Dalit identity movement sought to reclaim the dignity and human rights of oppressed communities, challenging the notion of "untouchability" and demanding equal treatment and opportunities.
- It also aimed to create awareness and sensitize society about the experiences and struggles of Dalits, promoting an inclusive and just society.
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- Ongoing Struggle and Challenges:
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- Despite legal provisions and efforts to uplift Dalits, the struggle against caste-based discrimination and the assertion of Dalit identity continues.
- Challenges persist in terms of achieving true social, economic, and political empowerment, and combating deeply ingrained prejudices and systemic barriers
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The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body in India that was established to safeguard the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs) as enshrined in the Constitution. Here are key aspects of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes:
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Constitutional Provision:
- The NCSC is mandated by Article 338 of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the Special Officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The 89th Amendment Act of 2003 bifurcated this provision into two separate articles, Article 338 for Scheduled Castes and Article 338A for Scheduled Tribes.
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Composition:
- The NCSC consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other members. The President of India appoints these members based on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Chairperson and members hold office for a three-year term.
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Functions and Powers:
- The primary function of the NCSC is to investigate and monitor matters related to the safeguards provided for SCs under the Constitution or any other law. This includes reviewing the implementation of policies and programs for the welfare of SCs.
- The Commission has the authority to inquire into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of SCs and to take necessary action to address these issues.
- It can participate and advise in the planning process of socio-economic development and the welfare of SCs, ensuring that their interests are adequately represented.
- The NCSC submits annual reports to the President of India regarding the measures taken by the central and state governments for the welfare of SCs.
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Safeguards and Atrocities:
- The NCSC plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. This legislation aims to prevent atrocities against SCs and STs and provides for stringent punishment for offenders.
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Monitoring and Reporting:
- The Commission monitors the implementation of various schemes and programs for the upliftment of SCs, assessing their impact and suggesting measures for improvement.
- It submits reports to the President and to the Governors of states, detailing the functioning of constitutional safeguards for SCs.
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Empowerment and Development:
- The NCSC actively works towards the economic, social, and educational empowerment of Scheduled Castes. It supports initiatives that promote their development and advocates for policies that address their specific needs.
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Awareness and Advocacy:
- The Commission engages in awareness campaigns to sensitize the public about the issues faced by SCs and to promote social harmony. It also advocates for affirmative action and inclusive policies to bridge the socio-economic gaps
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Previous Year Questions
1.In 2001, RGI stated that Dalits who converted to Islam or Christianity are not a single ethnic group as they belong to different caste groups. Therefore, they cannot be included in the list of Scheduled Castes (SC) as per Clause (2) of Article 341, which requires a single ethnic group for inclusion. (UPSC CSE Mains GS 1 2014) 2. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC CSE Mains GS 1 2018) |
