Why Should Dalit Christians and Muslims be given Scheduled Caste status? | Article 341
Caste is the most defining identity marker in the Indian context. Our constitution recognises this and gives caste-based reservations to address the socio-political inequalities that are inherent in a caste society. But the Schedule Caste status does not extend to Dalit Christians and Muslims.
In this video, we delve into the case of why caste-based reservations should be granted to Dalit Christians and Muslims. It provides historical context to India's caste system and the oppression faced by Dalits. It traces the evolution of reservations, from their origins under Rajashri Shahu to political reservations in the Indian Constitution under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's leadership. The constitutionality of the 1950 Order, which restricts SC as a Hindu-specific category, is discussed, along with the need for a new caste census to address exclusion and allocate reservations fairly.
The video examines the sociological reality of caste in Christian and Muslim communities, backed by government reports and expert interviews. It highlights the significance of political representation and the challenges faced by Dalit Christians and Muslims, who are marginalized both as Dalits and as religious minorities