Dalit Christians' Struggle for Constitutional Rights

Statement of Objects and Reasons of

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 1996

Converts to the Christian religion who are of the Scheduled Caste origin are precluded from the statutory benefits and safeguards accruing to the members of the Scheduled Castes. Demand have been made from time to time for extending these benefits and safeguards to the Christians of the Scheduled Caste Origin by granting them recognition as the Scheduled Castes on the ground that change of religion has not altered their social and economic condition. Upon due consideration of these demands, it is proposed to amend the relevant Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders to include the Christian converts from the Scheduled Castes as Scheduled Castes therein.

New Delhi Sitaram Kesri

The 11th March, 1996 Ministry of Welfare

Note: This statement was tabled in the Parliament by then Sitaram Kesri Welfare Minister or what has become today the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to include the Christians of Scheduled Caste Origin (CSCO) as Scheduled Castes and thereby enable them to benefit from the constitutional provisions. This did not happen.