Scheduled Castes (SC) is a term used in India to refer to sub-communities within the framework of the Hindu caste system who have historically faced deprivation, oppression, and extreme social isolation on account of their perceived ‘low status’ . The Indian constitution, in Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, lists 1,109 castes across 28 states in its First Schedule, while the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, lists 744 tribes across 22 states in its First Schedule. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment publishes a state-wise list of castes that fall into the schedule, and only those people carrying certificates of caste from the listed states qualify for the protections afforded to members of the SC community.
It is important to note that Scheduled Castes are sub-communities within the Hindu caste system, and the term does not apply to other religions or communities. The caste certificate is a legal document and proof that one belongs to a specific caste or tribe. The caste certificate allows the members of the backward classes or tribes to fully enjoy the privileges of promotion and reservation, which they were deprived of for a long time.
