1. SC Allows for Sub-Classification of SCs and STs
Context:
- The Supreme Court on Thursday held that the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is permissible to provide quota within quota for jobs and admission to educational institutions.
- A seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud overruled the 2004 judgment of a five-judge Constitution bench in the case of E V Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh.
- Sub classification within SCs does not violate Article 14 of the Constitution, he said.
What was the SC’s Verdict on Sub-Classifications of SCs and STs?
- He seven-judge Bench ruled that states can now sub-classify SCs within the 15% reservation quota to provide better supportfor the most disadvantaged groups.
- The Court clarified that 100% reservation for any sub-class is not permissible
- The Supreme Court has ruled that the‘creamy layer’ principle, previously applied only to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) (as highlighted in Indra Sawhney Case), should now also be applied to SCs and STs.
Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 16(4) of the Constitution, this provision permits reservations for backward classes who are inadequately represented in state services.
- Article 15(4) empowers the state to create special arrangements for promoting the interests and welfare of socially and educationally backward classes of the society such as SC and STs.
- Article 342Asupports the flexibility of states in maintaining their lists of socially and economically backward classes.
- The Chief Justice of Indiastated that the new ruling on sub-classifying Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes does not violate Articles 14 or 341 of the Constitution.
Arguments Against Sub-Classification:
- Homogeneity of SCs and STs: Critics argue that sub-classification could undermine the uniform status of SCs and STs as recognized in the Presidential list.
Potential for Inequality: There are concerns that sub-classification could lead to further division and potentially exacerbate inequalities within the SC community
2. In Karnataka’s Vijayanagara, a cowherd on call
Context:
- Sharanappa gathers cows from villagers and grazes them on the fields in fallow season, making a win-win situation for all those involved
- The ninth national convention of Shepherds India International will be held in Belagavi on October 2 and 3 and delegates from across the country will participate in it.
- Nomadic shepherds are a common sight in the north Karnataka districts such as Belagavi, Bagalkot, Koppal, Dharwar and Haveri.
- They move with their flock for between three to nine months a year.
- Farmers are happy to host the shepherds and their flocks on their fields during the fallow period, as they have a symbiotic relationship.
- The sheep eat weeds and other vegetation, and leave behind manure that fertilizes the soil. The shepherd gets paid, in what is a clear win-win situation.
- But 55-year-old Saranappa is seen in Anegundi Vijayanagara district with a big herd of cattle on a field.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission,it is found that instead of improving the quality of all the indigenous breeds, as envisioned under the scheme, it has ended up promoting only one indigenous variety, the Gir cow, across the country.
- India’s Rashtriya Gokul Mission, established in 2014,
- The scheme is also continued under umbrella schemeRashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna from 2021 to 2026 with a budget outlay of Rs.2400 crore.
- Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
