Report of the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: (Twenty eighth Report ) 1986-87

Abstract

The establishment of an egalitarian social order with equity for all sections of the society, free from any form of discrimination whatsoever on grounds of religion race, sex or place of birth is the cherished goal of our nation enshrined in the Constitution. Equity for the weaker sections of the society, therefore, is the moving spirit of the Constitutional schema and permeates the same. The founding fathers realised the intrinsicculpability of inequitous forces embedded in the social systems, economic institutions and also political organisations, both old and new, particularly in relation to certain vulnerable sections of the society. They, therefore, considered it necessary to provide specific safeguards in the Constitution in their favour. Members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes comprise two such special categories who according to 1981 Census account for 15.4-7% and 7.85% of the population respectively (Annexure I). In their case a mechanism for investigation into the working of the safeguards has also been provided with stipulation for appointment of a Special Officer (popularly known as Commissioner) for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and preparation of a report thereon to be submitted to the President.