Dalits Converting To Islam, Christianity Will Lose Benefits: Law Minister

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has clarified that Dalits converting into Islam or Christianity would be deprived of reservation rights. Besides, he confirmed the converted would also lose eligibility to contest parliamentary/assembly elections from seats reserved for Scheduled Castes. Minister Prasad cited Para 3 of the Constitution that outlines anyone deemed other than Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist shall lose Scheduled Caste membership and its benefits if converted.