
To
Dr Suman Bery
Vice Chairman
NITI Ayog
Dear Dr Bery,
I understand that Niti Ayog, in collaboration with Anthropological Survey of India (ASI) and the State Tribal Research Institutes, has come up with a study that recommends reclassification/ additions in respect of the lists of SCs/STs notified under the Constitution.
I would request Niti Ayog to place the study in the public domain for SC and adivasi representatives to have access to it.
Also, under Articles 338(9) and 338A(9) of the Constitution, the Union is required to hold prior consultation with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) before taking any further action.
I hope that Niti Ayog, instead of unilaterally acting on such studies, respects the Constitutional requirement and proceeds accordingly.
Regards,
Yours sincerely,
E A S Sarma
Former Secretary to the Government of India
Visakhapatnam