RATIONALE OF SPECIAL PROVISIONS‌

In order to realise the objectives of equality and justice as laid down in the Preamble, the Constitution makes special provisions for the scheduled castes (SCs), the scheduled tribes (STs), the backward classes (BCs) and the Anglo-Indians. These special provisions are contained in Part XVI of the Constitution from Articles 330 to 342A. They are related to the following:

1. Reservation in Legislatures

2. Special Representation in Legislatures

3. Reservation in Services and Posts

4. Educational Grants

5. Appointment of National Commissions

6. Appointment of Commissions of Investigation

These special provisions can be classified into the following broad categories:

(a) Permanent and Temporary - Some of them are a permanent feature of the Constitution, while some others continue to operate only for a specified period.

(b) Protective and Developmental - Some of them aim at protecting these classes from all forms of injustice and exploitation, while some others aim at promoting their socio- economic interests.