Sub-classification is not in the interest of the SC community

THE SUPREME COURT’S judgment on sub-classification of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes has triggered an intense social and political debate.

- SONI MISHRA

Kishor Makwana, chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, says sub-classification would result in internal strife within the community and it does not adhere to the basic sentiment of the Constitution. Excerpts from an interview:

Q/ How do you view the Supreme Court’s judgment on sub-classification of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes?

A/ The system of reservation provided for under the Constitution is meant to ensure that the social strata left behind because of the caste system and the practice of untouchability in the Hindu community should come into the social mainstream. The Supreme Court has said that there should be quota within quota to ensure that some specific sections that have not benefited from reservation should also benefit from it. But what will this lead to? This will result in conflict within the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. So this is not correct.

Q/ The court has also observed that the creamy layer concept could be applied to the scheduled castes.