(a) whether the Government propose to include the persons belonging to Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes who have embraced Christianity/Islam in the list of Scheduled
Castes;
(b) if so, whether the Government have examined the matter in this regard; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI S. B. MOOKHERJEE)
(a) to (c)The issue of inclusion of Scheduled Castes converted to Christianity has been
examined in consultation with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled tribes and Registrar General of India and it has not been found feasible to
include them in the list of Scheduled Casts. In respect of inclusion of Scheduled Castes
who embraced Islam, the matter is in process and will require consultation with several
agencies. So far as Scheduled Tribes area concerned, religion is not a criterion for being
a member of Scheduled Tribe.