NCSC has open mind on SC benefits to dalit Muslims, Christians

New Delhi, Jun 1 (UNI) In a break from its past stance, the National Commission for Scheduled Caste has said it has an open mind on the demand for giving scheduled castes benefits to Dalit Christians and Muslims.

''If the condition of certain sections of society warrant special measures taken in regard to others, the same should be done in their case too,'' newly appointed Chairman Buta Singh told UNI.

He said he has seen media reports about the recently submitted recommendations of the National Commission for Linguistics and Religious Minorities which include placing Dalit Christians and Muslims in the list of Scheduled castes and providing 15 per cent reservation to minorities in the educational institutions.

''I would study the report and try to find out what kind of measures were required for Dalit Christians and Muslims and other sections. And if any action was required, I would welcome it first of all,'' he added.

The previous Commission had strogly opposed the demand for inclusion of Dalit Muslims and Christians among the Scheduled Castes.

Mr Singh, who carries experience of working in 15 ministries in fifty years of his public career, said he would soon review the functioning of Commission in the past and take corrective measures.

Replying to a question, he accepted that the Commission had not been able to function effectively despite adequate constitutional provisions.

''If you see the history of the Commission since its inception in 1978, you find that Parliament had taken a constant interest in ensuring its effectiveness through various amendments,'' he said.

The Commission draws its mandate from Article 338 of the Constitution, which makes the President directly responsible for ensuring welfare of Scheduled Castes, he pointed out.

''The Commission has so far given seven reports but unfortunately they have not been taken seriously,'' he said.

More UNI