Why in news
Disparities among SC/ST sub-groups have led the Supreme court to endorse sub-classification, aiming at ensuring a fairer distribution of reservation benefits, in a landmark judgment on August 1, 2024
Earlier in 2004, the Supreme Court (in E.V Chinnaih vs State of Andhra Pradesh) affirmed SCs/STs as a homogenous class and, ruled against sub-classifications
Uneven Urbanisation
Within SCs and STs, there is a significant variation in urbanisation levels.
Some sub-groups are well urbanised with better educational and employment opportunities, while others remain predominantly rural and face higher levels of deprivation.
Educational Attainment
Educational attainment varies greatly among sub-groups.
For instance, Musahars in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are among the least educated, with few attaining high school or college degrees.
In contrast, Pasis and Chamars in the same regions have higher education levels, closer to the state average.
Occupational Disparities
In Maharashtra, Bhambis have higher educational and occupational status compared to Mangs
Similarly, Chamars in Punjab are more educated and urbanised compared to Mazhabis.
Socio-Economic Status
The Halba tribes in Chhattisgarh are more urbanised and better educated than the Baiga tribes, who mostly work as agricultural laborers
Similarly, Oraons in Jharkhand and Odisha are significantly more educated than Bhumia, who have minimal educational access.
Geographic Variations
In West Bengal, Namsudras are much more urbanised and better educated than Bagdis.
This disparity influences their access to resources and opportunities.
The Meenas in Rajasthan are noted for their education and economic advancement, whereas the Garasias remain largely underdeveloped.
Impact of Reservation Policies
The benefits of reservation policies often favor relatively better-off sub-groups within SCs and STs, exacerbating intra-group inequality and not addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged.
Need for Sub-Classification
The persistence of these disparities highlights the need for sub-classification within SCs and STs to ensure that reservation benefits are more equitably distributed, addressing varying degrees of disadvantage and deprivation.
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