Representatives of religious groups meet the commission in Patna to demand SC status for marginalised Muslim communities
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The socio-economic plight of over a dozen castes among Muslims in India has taken the centre-stage as the KG Balakrishnan Commission of Inquiry continues its investigation into whether Dalit converts from other religions should be granted Scheduled Caste (SC) status. The three-member commission gathered feedback from the public, including representatives from Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim communities.
At Gyan Bhavan, more than 500 representatives of different religious groups met with the commission to express their concerns and demand equality for marginalised Muslim castes, who claim to be worse off than Hindu Dalits in terms of social, economic, and educational opportunities.
The commission, established in October 2022, is composed of three members: Besides Balakrishnan, it has retired IAS officer Dr Ravinder Kumar Jain, and University Grants Commission member Prof. Sushma Yadav. Their mandate is to review the constitutional provision that restricts SC status to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists and to determine if this provision should be extended to other religions.
Currently, the Indian Constitution under Article 341 states that a person following any religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot be considered a member of a Scheduled Caste. This inquiry is crucial in addressing the longstanding demands of Dalit Muslims and Christians who seek the same legal protections and benefits as Hindu Dalits.
Several Muslim communities argue that they are socially ostracised, economically disadvantaged, and educationally deprived, much like their Hindu Dalit counterparts. These communities seek to be recognised as Scheduled Castes.
Usman Halal Khor, a member of the Most Backward Commission in Bihar, shared that his ancestors were originally Dalit Hindus who converted to Islam due to the untouchability prevalent among Hindus. “Even after converting to Islam, the stigma persisted,” said Halal Khor. “We are still treated as second-class citizens. Despite embracing Islam 500 years ago, our communities continue to face discrimination and are considered inferior even within the Muslim society.”
Caste-based discrimination
Caste-based discrimination within the Muslim community was highlighted by multiple speakers. “Muslims, much like Hindus, have caste divisions,” said Hasnain Gadhiri, a resident of Sasaram. “For example, the Mahtar community still looks down on the Halal-eating community and denies them social equality. Historically, our traditional occupation was labour, such as transporting bricks and sand using donkeys, hence the derogatory nickname ‘Gadhiri.’ Even today, we are not invited to any significant social events, and this discrimination prevents us from fully integrating into society.”
Farooqui Bhatiara, another community leader, echoed this sentiment. “Our ancestors started running inns and roadside hotels, but elite Muslim families distanced themselves from our employment. They still don’t consider us as their own, and even our surnames are often used derogatorily. Just as Hindu Dalits have been granted legal rights, we too should be included in the Scheduled Castes to help us become part of the mainstream society.”
The Balakrishnan Commission met with representatives from various communities, including a delegation led by Ali Anwar, National President of the All India Backward Communities and former member of Parliament. During their meeting, Anwar and other leaders presented their case for including Dalit Muslims and Christians in the SC category, a demand first made by the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission, which recommended removing the religious clause from Article 341 of the Constitution. The Sachar Committee report also identified numerous Muslim and Christian castes that face untouchability and discrimination, similar to Hindu Dalits.
Ali Anwar expressed scepticism over the commission’s ability to deliver justice. “Previous governments set up three commissions that presented reports on the backward conditions of these communities,” said Anwar. “However, instead of implementing the recommendations, the current government has argued before the Supreme Court that a new commission was needed. The formation of the KG Balakrishnan Commission raises concerns that it might not act in the interest of these marginalised groups.”
The debate surrounding the inclusion of Muslim and Christian Dalits in the Scheduled Castes category is part of a broader struggle for equality. For many, the issue is not just about economic benefits but about dignity and recognition within their communities.
“Muslim Dalits are often overlooked and marginalised,” said a local activist who wished to remain anonymous. “Their struggle is similar to that of Hindu Dalits, yet they don’t receive the same protections. It’s a question of whether our society is ready to acknowledge these inequalities and take steps to address them.”
As the Balakrishnan Commission continues its inquiry, the hopes of many marginalised Muslim communities hang in the balance. The decision to grant SC status to Dalit converts from Islam and Christianity could have profound implications for social justice in India.
The representatives who appeared before the commission have made their stance clear: they seek the same rights and protections that Hindu Dalits have been afforded, arguing that the discrimination they face is no different. The commission’s findings will be crucial in determining whether these communities will finally be recognised and included in the Scheduled Castes, potentially changing the lives of millions.
The plight of backward Muslim castes remains a critical issue, as they continue to grapple with deep-seated social exclusion and economic hardship. The question now is whether the Balakrishnan Commission will heed their call and recommend necessary constitutional changes to uplift these historically marginalised groups.