364 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Chamars. They are as backward as their brethren of other beliefs. But, so far, these Sikh backward classes have been kept out of the benefits meant for Scheduled Castes. The result has been either conversion in large numbers or discontent.
I do realise that so far as election to legislatures was concerned, there could be some justification as the Sikhs had separate representation and the Scheduled Castes got their reservation out of General Seats. There is the famous case of S. Gopal Singh Khalsa who could not be allowed to contest a seat unless he declared that he was not a Sikh. Such cases have led to disappointment and discontent on account of a general belief that some sections were being discriminated against.
Now the underlying idea is the uplift of the backward section of the community so that they may be able to make equal contribution in the national activities. I fully support the idea. I may be confronted with an argument that at least there is the first part of the article which provides for promotion “of educational and economic interests of ‘weaker sections’ of the people”. So far it is quite good and it can apply to every class. But, as the “weaker sections” are not defined anywhere, the apprehension is that the whole attention would be directed to the latter part relating to ‘Scheduled Castes’ and ‘weaker sections’ would not mean anything at all. Even the article lays the whole stress on this latter portion by centralising attention through the words ‘in particular’ of the ‘Scheduled Castes’.
I may not be misunderstood in this respect. I do not grudge this special care of the State being directed towards “Scheduled Castes”. Rather, I would support even greater concessions being given and more attention being paid to backward classes. My only object is that there should be no discrimination. That is not the intention of the article either. But, as I have said, so far the “Scheduled Castes” have been understood by general masses to exclude the members of the same castes professing Sikh religion. We should be particular in guaranteeing against any misconstruction being placed or any discrimination being exercised by those who would be responsible for actual working of it. Under the present article, it is the “educational and economic interests” that are to be promoted and therefore it should be made clear that it is to be done for all backward classes, and not for persons professing this or that particular religion or belief. I commend this motion for the acceptance of the House.