Poverty excludes people from various social functions and deprives the quality of life of people who live in poverty. The scheduled castes (SCs) are the majority who come under poverty and are most deprived of availing the services and opportunities which enhance their capability and standard of living. But the magnitude of deprivation varies across different subcategories. This is just because of being at the bottom of the caste hierarchy. It is a major constraint and still limits their mobility in various aspects of life. This condition not only excludes them from the mainstream society but also contributes to the further increase of social inequality. Thus, even as social mobility can be seen through the affirmative action, the majority still face different forms of exclusion which keep them out of these benefits. This article attempts to explore the process of exclusion related to various aspects of social life of the SC population and also illustrates the mechanisms that are obstacles on the path of inclusive development. Furthermore, it expresses concern over education, employment, political rights, civil rights, social justice and social participation and regard them as being of immense importance to the well-being of SCs.

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