Question

Give an introduction of constitutional provisions for welfare and development of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe.

Answer 1

The Constitution-makers were aware of the fact that the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes were the weaker sections of the Indian society. 

The following constitutional steps have been taken for the welfare and development of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST):

1. Article 15 has provided access to all public places to the SC and the ST.
2. Article 16(4) empowers the state to make reservation in the government services for the SC and the ST.
3. Article 17 has abolished the practice . of untouchability and prohibited its
   practice in any form.
4. Article 46 directs the state to protect the SC and the ST from exploitation and to look after their educational, social and economic welfare.
5. Articles 330, 332 and 334 provide reservation of seats for the SC and the ST in proportion to their population in the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas of the States.
6. There is reservation of seats for the SC and the ST in the rural and urban local governments.
7. Article 19(5) has given power to the state to restrict the movement and right to settle down in the tribal areas to protect the interests of the Scheduled Tribes.
8. The Constitution has set up the National Scheduled Castes Commission as well as the Scheduled Tribes Commission to protect interests and their rights as well as promote welfare and development of the SC and the ST.