NEW DELHI: The Central Government has decided to set up a Commission to study if Schedule Caste (SC) status must be given to those who had converted to other religions. The Commission will be headed by former Chief Justice of India, KG Balakrishnan. The other members of the Commission include Dr. RK Jain and Prof. Sushma Yadav.

According to the Presidential order of 1950, SC status is only eligible for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The Commission will study those who were historically in the scheduled castes and then converted to other religions that are not mentioned in the Presidential order.

Dalits who are converted to Christianity and Islam have been demanding SC status. However, BJP is against granting SC status to those who have converted to other religions.

The Commission will explore the results and consequences if SC status is given to those who converted to other religions. The study will include the changes in traditions, customs, social discrimination, and level of poverty after the religious conversion.

The notification of the Social Justice Department also allows the Commission to explore any other question related to this