A.P. Assembly passes resolution for SC status to Dalit Christians

Resolution for SC status to Dalit Christians passed in Andhra Pradesh Assembly

In a unanimous resolution passed on Friday, March 24, 2023, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly supported the inclusion of Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Castes list, saying that the State government was of the opinion that their socio-economic status was at par with that of Dalits who practise Hinduism.

Passing the resolution, the Legislature resolved to request the Union government to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 accordingly and include Dalits who have converted to Christianity in the SC list. 

Also read: Centre alludes to ‘foreign origins’ in its affidavit on Dalit Christians, Dalit Muslims

The Andhra Pradesh government said that it had received several representations saying that Dalit Christians continue to face social, economic and political discrimination and that they deserve better treatment on equal footing as Dalits who converted to Sikhism and Buddhism. 

As per the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, only Dalits who practise Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism are eligible to be categorised as SC. There are a batch of petitions currently pending in the Supreme Court of India challenging this part of the Order and seeking the inclusion of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims in the SC list. 

Also read: RSS outfits oppose SC status to Dalit converts, to give report to Balakrishnan Commission

The Union government, after having opposed the inclusion in two affidavits before the top court, has submitted that it had formed a three-member Commission of Inquiry to look into the demands of inclusion, giving it a two-year deadline to submit its recommendation.