Question : CATEGORISATION OF DIFFERENT CASTES

(a) the criteria for categorizing various castes into different categories for reservation in the country;

(b) whether the Government proposes to constitute a Commission to determine denovo categorization of general, other backward classes, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes on economic basis in place of caste basis;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if not, the reasons thereof;

(e) the names of the States which have submitted the proposal to the Union Government for inclusion of Gujarat and Jat communities under the Union list of Scheduled Castes (SCs); and

(f) the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT(D. NAPOLEON)

(a) Criteria for categorizing certain castes and
(i) Scheduled Castes,
(ii) Scheduled Tribes and
(iii) Other Backward Classes is as follows:-.

(i) Scheduled Castes: Extreme social, educational and economic backwardness a-arising out of traditional practice of untouchability.

(ii) Scheduled Tribes: Indication of primitive traits, Distinctive culture, Geographical isolation, Shyness of contact with the community at large and

(iii) Other Backward Classes: Social, Educational, Economic Backwardness and inadequate Representation in the Central Government posts and services.

(b) to (d) the government of India has set up a Commission for Economically Backward Classes not covered under the existing Reservation Policy.

(e) No State Government has recommended to this Ministry inclusion of Gurjar and Jat communities in the list of Scheduled Castes.

(f) Does not arise.