Lok Sabha Question No. 778 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-07
Subject: Inclusion of Dalit Christians in SC List
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Suresh Kodikunnil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.778

## INCLUSION OF DALIT CHRISTIANS IN SC LIST

## 778. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased t0 state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to include dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste (SC) list and if SO, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has recognised the recommendations of Ranganath Mishra Committee report and if the details thereof; SO,
- (c) the objectives for constituting justice K.G. Balakrishnan Committee; and
- (d) whether the   justice Balakrishnan Committee has made any   preliminary   reports recommendations that are being perused by the Government and if the details thereof? SO,

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI A. NARAYANASWAMY)

- (a) & (b): No, Sir:
- (c): Vide Notification No. S.O. 4742(E) dated 06.10.2022, the objectives, composition, terms of reference and tenure of Commission constituted under Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, (Ex-Chief Justice of India) are hereby attached.
- (d): Sir. No,

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CG-DL-E-06102022-239368

## EXTRAORDINARY

PART II\_Section 3\_Sub-section (ii)

## PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

NEW DELHI, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2022/ASVINA 14, 1944

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## MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (Department of Social Justice and Empowerment)

## NOTIFICA TION

New Delhi, the 6th October; 2022

S.O. 4742(E):~Whereas certain groups of persons who have   historically suffered social inequality: discrimination and the consequent backwardness resulting therefrom; have been declared to be Scheduled Castes by Presidential Orders issued from time to time under article 341 of the Constitution of India;

Scheduled Castes by according the status to new persons who to other religions beyond those permitted through Presidential Orders, and in contrast, many other groups have also opposed the same; And whereas, certain   representatives of the existing  Scheduled Scheduled Caste status to new persons; And   whereas, this is a seminal and   historically   complex sociological and constitutional question; and a definite matter of public importance; belong

And whereas, given its importance, sensitivity and potential impact, any change in definition in this regard  should be on the basis of detailed and definitive study and extensive consultation  with all stakeholders and no Commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act; 1952 (60 of 1952) has so far inquired into the matter,

Now; therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act; 1952 (60 of 1952), the Central  Government hereby appoints Commission of Inquiry consisting of following persons, namely: -

#a]

## Chairperson

Justice K G. Balakrishnan, (Ex-Chief Justice of India)

## Members

- i) Dr. Ravinder Kumar Jain, IAS (Retd) (HP- [981)
2. ii) Prof: (Dr:) Sushma Yadav; (Member; UGC)
3. 2 The terms of reference of the Commission shall be as follows:
4. to examine the matter of according Scheduled Caste status to new   persons, who claim to historically have belonged to the Scheduled Castes, but have converted to religion other than those mentioned in the Presidential Orders issued from time to time under article 341 of the Constitution;
5. (ii) to examine the implications o the existing Scheduled Castes, of such new persons as part of the existing list of Scheduled Castes; adding
6. (iii) to examine the changes Scheduled Caste persons go through o converting to other religions in terms of their customs, traditions, social and other status discrimination and deprivation; and the implication of the same on the question of giving them Scheduled Caste status; and
7. (iv) to examine any other related questions that the Commission deems appropriate, in consultation with and with the consent of the Central Government;
3. The Headquarters of the Commission shall be at New Delhi.
9. 4\_ The Commission shall submit its report within a period of two years from the date of taking over of the charge by the Chairperson.

[F. No. RL-12016/9/2021-RL Cell] SURENDRA SINGH, Addl. Secy: