SC panel opposes reservation to 'Dalit Muslims, Christians;

Chandigarh, Nov 29 (UNI) The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has categorically opposed the proposal for reservation to dalit Muslims and Christians.

In its annual report submitted to the Centre, the Commission has ''rejected in toto'' the proposal for extending the reservation facility to dalit Muslims and Christians, Commission vice chairman Faqirbhai Waghela told reporters here today.

Giving the rationale for the Commission's opposition to the proposal, he said reservation was given to dalits not on monetary basis. Untouchability, which was prevalent among Hindus, was one of the prime factors taken into account in this regard.

Since untouchabilty is not practiced in other religions, there was no sound reason for Muslims and Christians to be included in the reserved category, he said.

The Dalits, who had converted to Islam or Christianity, had no right to demand reservation, he added.

The report of the Commission, Mr Waghela said, had been submitted to the Centre.

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