Summary Scheduled castes and scheduled Tribes -complete notes/indian polity/ political science

SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED
TRIBES
Introduction
●​ Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are special categories
recognized by the Indian Constitution to provide social justice, equality, and
protection.
●​ They are historically disadvantaged groups who faced discrimination, exclusion,
and socio-economic backwardness.
●​ Their identification is done under Articles 341 (SCs) and 342 (STs).




SCHEDULED CASTES (SCs)
Meaning
●​ SCs are communities that historically faced untouchability, social discrimination,
and oppression.
●​ Constitutionally, they are listed in a Schedule of the Constitution.


Identification (Article 341)
●​ The President of India specifies SCs for a State/UT.
●​ The Parliament can include or exclude any caste from the list.


Characteristics
●​ Socially and educationally backward.
●​ Historically denied access to resources and opportunities.
●​ Victims of caste-based discrimination.


Constitutional Safeguards for SCs
1.​ Reservation in education and government jobs (15%).
2.​ Reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies.