PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1003
Dr. Ambedkar : I am not aware of it.
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*LIST OF SCHEDULE CASTES
806. Prof. Yashwant Rai : Will the Minister of Law be pleased to refer to Article 341 of the Constitution and state :
(a) Whether it is a fact that many castes are anxious to know their inclusion in the list of the Scheduled Castes ; and
(b) if so, what steps have been taken by Government in this direction and when the list of the Castes included in the Scheduled Castes will be announced ?
The Minister of Law (Dr. Ambedkar) : (a) and (b) As required under article 341 of the Constitution, the Governors and Rajpramukhs of States have been consulted with regard to the castes, races or tribes etc., which are to be specified as Schedule Castes for the purposes of the Constitution and their views and suggestions are at present being examined. This examination is expected to be completed soon, and thereafter the Notification specifying the Scheduled Castes will be issued.
Prof. Yashwant Rai : May I know, Sir, how long will the Government take to announce the list ?
Dr. Ambedkar : I have said ‘soon’. I am sure it will not take very long.
Shri Rathnaswamy : May I know the basis on which the Government comes to a decision in regard to the inclusion of castes ?
Dr. Ambedkar : The question is not clear. We have got the schedule under the Government of India Act, 1935; In addition to that, we have addressed queries to Provincial Governments as to their opinion regarding the inclusion of certain other castes. After their opinions are received, the lists will be finalised.
Dr. M. M. Das : May I know whether in the coming census the Scheduled Castes will be marked as Scheduled Castes ?
*P. D., Vol. 1, Part I, 13th March 1950 p. 791.