Attempts have been made in this study to present an over-all profile of the Scheduled Castes from different dimensions i.e., facts, figures and their interpretations, the policy of segregation of a sizable section of Indian population on the basis of caste.

This volume represents as accurate a list of India's Scheduled Castes as can currently be made. It reveals a highly heterogeneous profile of Scheduled Caste communities, which are spread across the country and which are mainly landless, with little control over resources such as land, forest and water. It also shows the persistence of 'untouchability' in many pockets, and the variable measures of equality that have so far been achieved in the struggle for social upliftment by the Scheduled Castes. It reveals that these castes have been increasingly involved in modern occupations, such as service in government departments wherever traditional industries have declined. As a consequence, a new sense of self-respect is in the air, gradually replacing some of the old myths which sought to legitimize their degradation.

The Scheduled Caste people, all over India, have suffered from various types of socio-economic problems from time immemorial over which the social scientists, specially the anthropologists and sociologist have given not much attention to make diagnosis of their problems and to suggest ways and means to eradicate their problems. Thus the present volume will be highly helpful not only for those interested in the study of Scheduled Caste people and their problems, but also for the planners and administrators who are engaged in the welfare programmes of this downtrodden section of the society.

This Book Studies The Behaviour Pattern Of The Scheduled Caste And Scheduled Tribe Mlas In The Legislative Assembly Of West Bengal. The Purpose Of The Study Is To Investigate How Far They Reveal An Interest In, And Take An Initiative In The Matters Relating Directly To The Schedules Castes And Scheduled Tribes.

The book discusses the educational achievements and occupational mobility among the Scheduled Castes in India, the group that is a large section of Indian population (called as Dalit), was deprived of their basic legitimate and human rights to live with dignity. The book shows that, the second generation of Scheduled Castes is highly mobile as compared to their fathers’ generation. It also attempts to measure the impact of Inclusive Policy provided by the Government of India. In this book, author found that, after the religious conversion under the leadership of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Mahars converted to Buddhism. Therefore, the Buddhist community is more aware about the occupational development as compared to other communities. Hence, the development of the Buddhists could be treated as an ideal model for all the Backward Classes in India.