The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2024 intends to modify the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in which of the following Indian states?

The correct answer is Odisha.

Key Points

• The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to update the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes specifically for the state of Odisha.
• This bill seeks to include new communities and make adjustments to the existing lists to ensure accurate representation.
• The amendment is crucial for providing the benefits of reservation, education, and employment opportunities to the newly included communities.
• The process of modifying the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes lists is governed by Article 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution.

Additional Information

• Scheduled Castes (SCs)
  • Scheduled Castes are communities that are historically disadvantaged and were subjected to untouchability in India.
  • The Constitution provides for affirmative action in the form of reservations in education, employment, and political representation.
  • Article 341 of the Indian Constitution allows the President to specify the castes, races, or tribes deemed to be Scheduled Castes.
• Scheduled Tribes (STs)
  • Scheduled Tribes are indigenous communities recognized as socially and economically disadvantaged.
  • Article 342 of the Indian Constitution allows the President to specify the tribes or tribal communities deemed to be Scheduled Tribes.
  • The Constitution mandates affirmative action for STs similar to SCs, including reservations in various sectors.
• Article 341 and 342
  • Article 341 pertains to the identification of Scheduled Castes, while Article 342 deals with the identification of Scheduled Tribes.
  • Both articles empower the President to notify these communities, and any subsequent changes require a parliamentary amendment.
  • These articles are fundamental in ensuring that the benefits of affirmative action reach the intended communities.
• Affirmative Action
  • Affirmative action in India includes a system of reservations for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in education, employment, and political representation.
  • The goal is to address historical injustices and provide equal opportunities to disadvantaged communities.
  • Reservations are a contentious issue, often debated in terms of their impact on meritocracy and social equity.