ST and SC Full Form

What is the full form of ST and SC?

The Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are a group of people officially recognized by the Indian Constitution and are among the most disadvantaged socioeconomic groups in India. Historically, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been discriminated against and oppressed under the Hindu four-tier caste or varna system. Since independence, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been granted reservation status ensuring political representation, preference for promotion, quotas in universities, free and subsidized education, scholarships, banking services, and various government programs. The Indian Constitution also has several safeguards and legislations to protect these minority communities against discrimination.

1. Overview of SC and ST

According to the 2011 Census report, about 16.6% of India’s population belongs to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and about 8.6%, of India's population, are members of the Scheduled Tribes (ST).

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950, mentions 1108 castes in the First Schedule that are spread throughout India across 28 states while the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes), Order 1950 names 744 tribes spread across 22 states.

Scheduled Tribes (ST) are defined in the Indian Constitution, Article 366 (25) as “such tribes or tribal communities or part of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to the Scheduled Tribes (STs) for the purposes of this [Indian] Constitution”

Following independence, the Constituent Assembly upheld the current definition of Scheduled Castes and Tribes through Article 341 and Article 342, which gave the president of India and the state governors a mandate to prepare a complete list of castes and tribes. this list could be edited later, as required. The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order from 1950 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order from 1950 were two orders that established the comprehensive list of castes and tribes. Additionally, the choice of B. R. Ambedkar as the head of the Constitutional drafting committee coincided with independent India's goal to promote inclusivity.

2. Reservation for SCs and STs

The Constituent Assembly presided over by Dr BR Ambedkar, established the system of the reservation after India gained its independence. Reservation for SCs and STs is based on the idea of compensatory justice for their long-term hardships, which have occurred through no fault of their own. The Constitution established the reserved quota based on the proportion of SCs and STs in the population.

India implemented reservations with the aim of righting historical injustices and discrimination committed against India's SC and ST communities and ensuring that people from all castes and tribes are equally represented in the state and federal government's services. Reservation was established as a way to level the playing field to everyone, regardless of caste, and come to aid in the advancement of the underprivileged.

The following reservations are made by the Constitution of India for SCs and STs:

• For direct recruitment into jobs on an all-India basis by open competition, 15% reservation is given to Scheduled Castes and 7.5% to Scheduled Tribes.

• For direct recruitment into jobs on an all-India basis other than open competition, 16.66% reservation is given to Scheduled Castes and 7.5% is given to Scheduled Tribes.

• Article 46 - provides that the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 15% of seats at educational institutes are reserved for SCs and 7.5% for STs.

• The Lok Sabha has 84 seats reserved for members of the Scheduled Castes and 47 seats reserved for members of Scheduled Tribes under Article 330.

• Article 332 - According to Article 332 of the Indian Constitution, there should be seats reserved for members of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the state legislatures. In accordance with the 58th Amendment Act, seats will be reserved for Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.

3. Legislation for SCs and STs

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989 outlines the crimes that qualify as atrocities and lay forth deterrent penalties for committing those crimes. Comprehensive Rules created in accordance with this Act consider preventive measures as well as relief and rehabilitation for those impacted. The National Security Advisor position under Article 338 of the Constitution has been replaced by the Special Post as a result of the Constitution (65th Amendment) Act of 1990.

Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was established primarily to monitor and investigate all issues pertaining to the protections provided to SCs and STs under the constitution and laws.

4. Protecting SC and ST Interests

• The Constitution's Articles 338 and 338A establish two constitutional commissions—the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes—to efficiently administer the protections incorporated into the Constitution and other laws. Both commission chairs hold ex officio seats on the National Human Rights Commission.

• The SC/ST Standing Committee ensures that the policies and programs of the Indian government, the University Grants Commission, and state governments regarding physically challenged people are implemented effectively. It also offers suggestions for how to carry out the goals established by the various government entities. The Committee meets at least twice per year, and the decisions made at these meetings must be carried out. The Director serves as the Chairman of the Committee.

• According to Articles 164 and Article 338 and the Fifth Schedule, all states must establish tribal advisory councils and distinct departments to advance the welfare and protect the interests of the tribal people. Scheduled and tribal territories are given particular consideration in Article 244 and the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.