Question : Sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2475
TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.08.2021

SUB-CATEGORISATION OF SCHEDULED CASTES
2475. SHRI ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has received representations for sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Justice Usha Mehra Commission has submitted a report in this regard during 2008 and decision is still pending;
(c) if so, the reasons for non-implementation of the recommendations of the report;
(d) whether the Government would take immediate steps to introduce a bill in the Parliament for subcategorisation of Scheduled Castes and take all necessary action to enact legislation in this regard;
(e) if so, the details of action proposed to be taken thereon and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(f) whether the Government is likely to take followup action with the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations to expedite the matter, if so, the details thereof ?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI A. NARAYANASWAMY)
(a): Representations have been received from various quarters for sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes.
(b) to (f): A National Commission to examine the issue of Sub- categorisation of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh (NCSCSC) headed by Justice Usha Mehra in its report submitted on 01.05.2008 had recommended amendment of Article 341 of the Constitution to provide for sub-categorisation and de-sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes. Government has decided to seek views of the major stake holder''s viz. the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations on the recommendation of the NCSCSC. The States/UTs were last reminded on 09.12.2019 to expedite their comments. Moreover, the matter is presently sub-judice in the Supreme Court.
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