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Problems faced by the Scheduled Castes

The Varna system which existed during the Vedic period, in course of time degenerated into the caste

system. Since then, the Scheduled Castes who are known as Untouchables have been suffering from

various social, religious, political, legal, economic, educational and other disabilities. For centuries they

were denied political representation, legal rights, civic facilities, educational privileges and economicopportunities. During the British Rule also, nothing was done to uplift the Scheduled Castes and to

relieve them from their bondages. Even today, the Scheduled Castes are not free from problems.

(a) Social Restrictions and Disabilities- Low status in the caste hierarchy. In the caste hierarchy, the SCs are ascribed the lowest status.

They are considered to be unholy, inferior and low and are looked down upon by other

castes. They have been suffering from the stigma of untouchability. Their very touch is

considered to be polluting for the higher caste people. Hence they have been treated as

servants of the other caste people.

- Education Disabilities. The Harijans were forbidden from taking up to education during the earlydays. Sanskrit education was denied for them. Public schools and other educational institutions

were clothes for them. Even today, majority of them are illiterate and ignorant.

- Civic Disabilities. For a long time, the untouchable castes were not allowed to use public placesand avail civic facilities such as village wells, ponds, temples, hostels, hotels, schools, hospitals,

lecture halls, etc. They were forced to live on the outskirts of the towns and villages during the

early days. Even today, they are segregated from other spatially. Restrictions are imposed on

the mode of construction of their houses, types of dresses and patters of their ornamentation.Some lower caste people were not allowed to carry umbrellas, to wear shoes or golden

ornament and to milk cows.

(b) Religious DisabilitiesThe Harijans also suffer from religious disabilities even today. They are not allowed to enter

temples in many places. The Brahmins, who offer their priestly services to some lower castes,

are not prepared to officiate in the ceremonies of the untouchable castes. They do not even

bow down to the deities of these untouchable castes. The Vedic Mantras which are considered

to be more pure could not be listened to and chanted by the Harijans because of the taboos.

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(c) Economic DisabilitiesThe Harijans are economically backward and have been suffering from various economic

disabilities also.

- No right of property ownership. For centuries, the Harijans were not allowed to have land andbusiness of their own. It is only recently their ownership to the property has become recognised.

The propertied people are comparatively less in them. Majority of them depend upon

agriculture but only a few of them own land.

- Selection of Occupations limited. The caste system imposes restrictions on the occupationalchoice of the members. The occupational choice was very much limited for the Harijans. They

were not allowed to take up to occupations which were reserved for the upper caste people.

- Landless Labourers. Majority of the Harijans are today working as landless labourers. More than90% of the agricultural labourers in India belong to the depressed classes which include the SCs

and STs. The Harijans are economically exploited by the upper caste people. Even today, they

are the lowest paid workers. Some of them continue to suffer as bonded labourers at the hands

of the higher caste people.

- Political Disabilities. The untouchables hardly participated in the political matters. They were notgiven any place in the politics, administration and the general governance of India. They were

not allowed to hold any public post. Political rights and representation were denied to them.

Under the British rule, they were given the right to vote for the first time. After independence,

equal political opportunities and rights have been provided for the Harijans also.

Measures for the welfare of Scheduled Castes

The government of India has been trying to uplift the Scheduled Castes. The governmental attempts to

promote the welfare of SCs through Constitutional and legislative measures.

The Government has incorporated some special provisions in the Constitutition for the removal of

untouchability and to promote the welfare of SCs. The Constitution ensures the protection and assures

the promotion of interests of SCs in the fields such as (1) political representation, (2) representation in

services, (3) economic development, (4) socio-cultural safeguards and (5) legal support.

1. Articles 15, 16, 17, 28, and 46 guarantee that the state shall not discriminate between personson account of their religion or region and caste or class.

2. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, race, sex or place of birth.3. Article 17 abolishes untouchability. It is further provided that the enforcement of any disability

arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the law.

4. Article 46 promotes the educational and economic interests of SCs.

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