The Constitution of India contains special provisions for the welfare and upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SCs), also known as Dalits. These provisions are aimed at addressing historical social and economic disadvantages faced by Scheduled Castes. The key constitutional provisions for Scheduled Castes are:
1. Article 15(4):
· Article 15(4) of the Constitution allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including Scheduled Castes.
2. Article 17:
· Article 17 of the Constitution declares the practice of untouchability as unconstitutional. Untouchability is abolished, and its practice in any form is forbidden.
3. Article 46:
· Article 46 of the Constitution directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
4. Article 330:
· Article 330 provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes in the House of the People (Lok Sabha), ensuring political representation.
5. Article 332:
· Article 332 provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes in the Legislative Assemblies of the States, ensuring political representation at the state level.
6. Article 338:
· Article 338 deals with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, which is a constitutional body tasked with monitoring the safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes and investigating specific complaints regarding their deprivation.
7. Article 338A:
· Article 338A, inserted by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018, deals with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, providing for the same functions as Article 338 but for Scheduled Tribes.
8. Article 341:
· Article 341 empowers the President to specify the Scheduled Castes for each state and union territory, allowing for the identification of communities eligible for reservation and other benefits.
9. Article 342:
· Article 342 empowers the President to specify the Scheduled Tribes for each state and union territory, enabling the identification of communities eligible for reservation and other benefits.
10. Article 366(24):
· Article 366(24) defines the term "Scheduled Castes" and includes such castes, races, or tribes or parts of groups within the Hindu community as deemed under Presidential order.
11. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
· While not a constitutional provision, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a crucial legal framework for preventing atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
12. Reservation in Educational Institutions and Government Jobs:
· The Constitution allows for reservation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for Scheduled Castes.
These constitutional provisions aim to eradicate untouchability, promote social justice, and ensure the overall development and well-being of Scheduled Castes. Additionally, various policies and schemes have been implemented by the government to implement these constitutional provisions effectively.
