Those not in favour of such a provision argue that faiths like Islam and Christianity do not recognise castes, and so inequality in these faiths along caste lines does not exist. But, as this newspaper first reported, Union Minister for Minority Affairs A R Antulay has already made a pitch for including Dalit Muslims and Christians in the SC/ST category. As of now, Muslim and Christian OBCs are included in the OBC category as occupational groups. The number and types of communities included vary across states.

NCM sources said their study is expected to be over by the end of this month and will also focus on different caste categories among Muslims and Christians, apart from Dalits. It is expected that the 40 per cent Muslim and Christian OBCs would also be looked at by this study group.

Though NCM members are silent on the purpose of this study — they say they will discuss it only when it is ready — the findings could be key when the Government evaluates the options before it while taking a stand on the provision of special benefits to certain backward caste groups among Muslims and Christians.

NCM chairman Hamid Ansari refused to comment and Dr Deshpande, who will be conducting the study, simply said: “I am presently looking at the data compiled by the Sachar report and after my study will take a call on what to explore further. It is too early to say what will emerge eventually.”

Among Muslims too, there is resistance to accepting the fact that a caste system is operational within a faith that promises equality to all. Ali Anwar, founder and head of the All-India Muslim Pasmanda Mahaaz and JD(U) MP in Rajya Sabha, said: “Whatever Islamic scriptures say, the facts about Islam in India cannot be wished away. Repression and discrimination among lower caste Muslims is rampant. The upper-caste leadership among Muslims has tried to deflect the argument by talking about reservations for all Muslims. What is necessary is the inclusion of Dalit Muslims and Christians among SC/STs and to include more and more occupational lower -caste Muslim groups and communities in the OBC category.”

... contd.