Question : Benefit of Centrally Sponsored Schemes to Converted Christians

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2424
TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.08.2021

BENEFIT OF CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES TO CONVERTED CHRISTIANS
2424. SHRI KANUMURU RAGHU RAMA KRISHNA RAJU:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the benefits of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) meant for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes can be extended to Converted Christians from Scheduled Castes;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is aware that Christian converts out of Scheduled Castes have been extended benefits of centre schemes in the State of Andhra Pradesh vide G.O.M.S.No.341 dated 30.8.1977 by the Social Welfare Department, if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether such extension of CSS schemes to the converted Christians from Scheduled Castes is legally and constitutionally valid, if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps being taken by the Government in this regard to stop such illegal practices?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI A. NARAYANASWAMY)
(a) to (e): No Sir. No person who professes a religion different from the Hindu, the Sikh or the Buddhist religion shall be deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste. The benefits of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) meant for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes can not be extended to Converted Christians from Scheduled Castes.
Government of Andhra Pradesh vide their letter dated 30.07.2021 has informed that they have issued orders vide GO.Ms. No. 341, Social Welfare Dept., dated 13.08.1977 that non-statutory concessions granted to the Scheduled Castes (Hindus) by the State Government be extended to Scheduled Caste converts to Christian and to Buddhism.
Since this will not apply to the benefits under Centrally Sponsored Schemes or any other statutory benefits, no further action is contemplated from the Ministry.
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