Constitutional Provisions for Advancement of Scheduled Sections of Society

Here are some significant constitutional provisions aimed at supporting the advancement of scheduled sections of society, including SCs and STs:

Article 366

This article defines an Anglo-Indian. An Anglo-Indian is a person whose father or any of their male ancestors is or was of European descent but who lives within the territory of India and was born there to parents habitually residing within the territory, not temporarily established.

Article 331

This article allows the President to recommend two members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha if their representation is insufficient.

Article 333

This article permits the Governor to recommend one member from the Anglo-Indian community to the State Legislative Assembly if their representation is lacking.

Article 334(b)

This article extended the reservation of seats for the Anglo-Indian community in Legislative bodies for 40 years in 1949.

Article 338

This article was amended in 2003 by the 89th Constitutional Amendment, creating two distinct constitutional bodies: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. These commissions oversee and address all matters concerning the constitutional and legal safeguards for SCs, STs, and the Anglo-Indian community, reporting their work to the President.

Article 243D

This article pertains to the reservation of positions for deprived sections of society in Panchayati Raj. It mandates that the chairperson’s offices in village panchayats or other levels should be reserved for SCs, STs, and women, based on the state’s population, in proportion to the entire state’s SC and ST population.

The Ninety-fifth Amendment Act of 2009 is a crucial change in the Indian Constitution. The main purpose of this amendment act is to increase the number of reserved seats in legislatures for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Anglo Indians. The main aim of this change is to ensure that these groups have a fair opportunity to participate in the political process and safeguard their rights. It aligns with Article 46 of the Constitution, which emphasizes the importance of providing educational and economic support to SCs, STs, and other backward sections of society. Let us understand the various provisions made under this amendment act along with its salient features.