Centre Forms Committee to Examine Measures to Protect Interests of SCs

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Jan. A high-level panel has been formed to assess the administrative measures that can be implemented to safeguard the interests of scheduled caste (SC) communities, such as the Madigas.

The objective of the panel is to ensure that the most disadvantaged communities within the SCs receive a fair share of benefits, as they have been overshadowed by more affluent and influential groups.

According to a source familiar with the matter, “Under the direction of the prime minister, a committee of secretaries has been formed, with the cabinet secretary as the chairman. The committee will examine the administrative steps that can be taken to protect the interests of SC communities, including the Madigas and other similar groups, who have expressed concerns about not receiving their fair share of benefits.”

The committee will consist of secretaries from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Personnel and Training, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Department of Legal Affairs, and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The first meeting of the committee of secretaries is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

The government has received requests from state governments, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, for the sub-categorization of SCs, which includes the Madiga community. These requests are based on the argument that the benefits of reservation and welfare/developmental schemes are not being distributed equally among them.

This matter is currently being considered by a seven-judge Supreme Court bench, as it has been brought before various courts of law.