Panel on SC tag for all Dalit converts gets a year’s extension

Panel on SC tag for all Dalit converts gets a year’s extension

Sub :  Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

• The Commission of Inquiry, established by the central government, is tasked with examining the possibility of granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to all Dalit converts, regardless of their religion.
• The three-member commission headed by former Chief Justice of India Justice K.G. Balakrishnan has been granted a one-year extension to finalize its report, now due by October 10, 2025.

Background:

• Currently, the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950 only recognizes SC status for individuals from Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist faiths.
• The commission aims to explore the inclusion of Dalit converts from other religions, a topic that has been under judicial consideration for over 20 years.

Reasons for extension:

• The commission faced delays in initiating field visits, a critical part of its work, due to staffing issues.
• The commission is also gathering insights from different States and Union Territories regarding the socio-economic conditions of Dalit converts.

Government Position:

• The Centre has presented its stance to the commission, arguing against the inclusion of Dalit Christians and Muslims in the SC list, citing the foreign origin of these religions.