What are scheduled castes?

The idea of caste-based reservation system was envisioned by William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in various forms in 1882 and implemented by Chatrapati Sahuji in 1901. The term was changed to “Depressed Class” in 1932 by Ambedkar and later to “Scheduled Caste/Tribes” during the framing of the constitution in 1950. The idea was that a vast majority of the poor were from a very small caste group and they needed a social net so that they can be accommodated into society as full-fledged members. It is important to note that this part of the reservation was for electoral rights first (to guarantee political representation – Poona Act ‘35) and a education/job rights issue second. Also note that education was made free in these early attempts so that poverty does not hinder their education by these early efforts. If not for Dr.Ambedkar’s efforts, even this would not have come through during Independence. Ambedkar remains an icon for minority causes even today and is revered because of this. Enough of history. Fast forward to today.

MEANING OF SCHEDULED CASTES.

 

Most people understand what caste implies (jaati) but what is the meaning of “Schedule”?

 

The then Prime Minister Ramsey McDonald observed that like Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Anglo-Indians, out-castes are an independent class and not included in the Hindu jaati system. Therefore, a list (“schedule”) was prepared and the castes included in this list (“schedule”) are called the scheduled castes.

 

Based on this, the castes that were scheduled were given some rights according to the ‘Scheduled Caste Ordinance 1935’. On this basis Govt of India promulgated ‘Scheduled Caste Ordinance 1936’ and facility of reservation was given. Further, modifying the ordinance of 1936, Scheduled Caste Ordinance 1950 was passed and provision of reservation was made.

 

From this it can be concluded the history of the origin of nomenclature of the scheduled caste tells that in the Indian subcontinent there were untouchables, out-castes or the castes outside the Hindu “religion” before the census of 1931. A list (“schedule”) of these out-castes was prepared.

 

On the basis of this “schedule” of the castes Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar fought against the British, opposing Brahmins, and was successful in securing fundamental human rights for Non-Hindu “castes” that were scheduled.

 

This is the meaning of “Scheduled” Castes. We must understand that since then; scheduled castes means untouchables, out-castes or the castes outside the Hindu-fold, means those castes which were not Hindu. They were called “Atishudras”, independent of Hindu religion and therefore outside the jaati system (jaati implies Hindu), the undeclared fifth Varna in the Varna System.

 

A “scheduled” caste is their constitutional identity, NOT jaati identity (commonly but incorrectly translated as caste). Whatever benefits are received today by these out-castes are in the name of ‘scheduled caste’ and not in the name of Dalits or jaatis as Vankar, Chamar, Valmiki etc.

 

NOTE:

The correct translation of ‘JAATI ’ is ‘SPECIES’. Translating ‘jaati’ as ‘caste’ waters down the real meaning of jaati and gives an excuse to upholders of jaati to misleadingly say, “caste system was created by the British.”

 

We all know the JATI SYSTEM was not created by the British. It existed before the British set foot on India. As a way of proof, it is mentioned in the Sikh holy book, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

 

Despite knowing the history of the origin of what a scheduled “caste” is, some who fall in this category continue saying that they belong to the Hindu religion/jaati. Thus, hypocritically and morally insulting the Indian constitution and Dr Ambedkar’s struggle to constitutionally get them the rights they deserve.

 

Those out-castes must always keep in mind that “scheduled” caste means. ONLY and ONLY those people who are NOT Hindus but victims due to the Hindu social order. If their ancestors were out-castes but they wish to continue as Hindus under the Hindutva regime, they should give up their scheduled caste identity and Dr. Ambedkar. It would then be up to the dominant castes whether they accept them into their religion or not and what jaati they give them! The whole purpose of assigning a jaati is to discriminate and control.

 

If you don’t want to be controlled, don’t associate yourself with any jaati (commonly but inaccurately called caste). If you have a jaati you are Hindu. If you’ve reject Hinduism, you must reject jaati too. A scheduled caste does not mean a scheduled jaati (Jaati implies Hindu social order).

 

NOTE:

1. If those seeking reservation, call themselves SC AND Hindus, they are in fact lying because Hindus cannot be belonging to castes that were scheduled and should not be availing reservation meant for the SCHEDULED castes.
2. Reservation was initially meant ONLY for the scheduled castes and tribes (yet, people STILL assume the constitution hasn’t been replaced. Certain things in the constitution cannot be amended. They can only be REPLACED in a new constitution)
3. If you are from a community that was labelled SC. That doesn’t mean you have a jaati (Your ancestors were jaati-less Buddhists made into untouchables. The word caste was used just for convenience).
4. Free yourself from the clutches of Hindism and Hindu Jaati system. Else you will really remain dalits, the grounded and mentally broken to pieces.

Author : Shekhar Bodhakar

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ALSO READ:

1. What is the exact meaning of Hindi word, “Dalit”?

2. What is the meaning of the word Hindu?

3. Why should Hindu Identity be given up?

4. Is Hinduism a religion or a way of life?

5. Why the scheduled castes and tribes are not Hindu?

6. Can the caste system be eradicated from India? If so, how?