New Delhi, June 12: The Commission headed by former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan has completed its report on reservation eligibility for converted Dalits and is expected to submit its recommendations to the Central Government shortly.
The panel examined issues related to extending Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims after conducting an extensive study over nearly four years.
The commission studied whether Dalits continue to face social discrimination after converting to Christianity or Islam and assessed the legal and social aspects linked to reservation eligibility.
The report has reportedly been prepared and is currently being processed for submission to the Centre.
The tenure of the Justice Balakrishnan Commission concluded on June 10. However, the Centre extended its term for another 10 days to complete procedural formalities.
Under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, Scheduled Caste status is currently available to Dalits belonging to Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist communities.
For several years, various Dalit organisations have demanded that similar benefits be extended to Dalits who converted to Christianity and Islam.
The Centre had earlier informed the Supreme Court through an affidavit that caste structure does not formally exist in Islam and Christianity.
The issue has remained under legal, political and social discussion due to its wider implications for reservation policy and social justice.
The recommendations of the commission are expected to draw attention across political and social circles once formally submitted to the government.
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