BACKWARD CLASSES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Indian society is characterized by a high degree of stratification based on caste, creed, colour, region and social origin. Caste is a unique system of stratification found in India. It is intimately related to social, economic and religious systems, and in recent times, to political system as well. It is due to the prevalence of the caste system that social justice was denied to a substantial number of its population, including backward classes. The term ‘backward classes’ has not been defined in the Constitution of India, as a result it has become increasingly difficult to work out a uniform criteria to measure their backwardness. However, an attempt on the part of Indian government to bring about social justice to the backward classes has resulted in the reservation policy.

It is against this backdrop that the present volume is being brought out. It is divided into four parts. While the first part includes the editors’ introduction and the profile of Prof. C. Paravathamma, the second part deals with the theme ‘Backward Classes and Social Justice’. The third part has papers on ‘Dalits and Development’ and the last part examines the problems of Dalits in various parts of the country.

The book will prove equally useful for policy makers, administrators and the academic community.

M.H. Makwana studied at M.S. University, Baroda and Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad. At present he is Professor and Head, Department of Sociology, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad. He is also the Chair Professor of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Chair of the University. He has written nine books and 40 articles both in English and Gujarati. He has been the Convener of RC-09, Dalits and Backward Classes of Indian Sociological Society, New Delhi from 2006 to 2010. He is also Hon. Director of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Research Institute of Social Sciences, Ahmedabad.

Richard Pais is Professor and Head, Department of Sociology, St Aloysius College, Mangalore. He has postgraduate degrees in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Poona and Ph.D. from the Mangalore University. He has written/edited 15 books and an equal number of research papers/articles. In 2007 he received the L.P. Vidyarthi Award conferred by Indian Social Science Association, Agra for his contribution to the development of Social Sciences in the country. At present, he is Convener of RC-09, Dalits and Backward Classes of Indian Sociological Society, New Delhi.