Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been identified as the two most backward groups of Indian Society. They include all such castes, races or tribes, which have been declared as scheduled castes and scheduled tribes by the Constitution of India under the provisions of Article 341 and 342 of the Constitution of India. Scheduled Castes generally represent those communities, which have suffered from the stigma of untouchability in one form or the other. Scheduled Tribes are generally those who have been living in seclusion in hills and forests, more or less untouched by modern civilization and development. Scheduled Castes constitute about 15 per cent of the total population of the country while Scheduled Tribes constitute about 7.5 per cent of the total Indian Population. Thus, together, these groups constitute a little more than one fifth of the total population of the country. When India became independent, it committed itself to a socially just and equal social order. The Constitution of the country, promulgated in 1950, recognizes the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes as the two most backward groups needing special protection. A number of provisions have been made in the Constitution with a view to abolish all forms of discrimination and put these groups at par with others. Specific provisions for the reservation in services, in favour of the members of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, have been made in the Constitution of India.

The Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Cell in an institute promotes the special interests of students/employees/teachers in the reserved category. It is expected to provide special inputs in areas where the students experience difficulties.

Objectives of the Cell:

SC/ST Cell has been constituted in the Institute to resolve all the affairs and problems related to the SC/ST officers, employees and students of the University. Following are the important work under SC/ST Cell:

1. All affairs related to SC/ST.
2. All affairs related to SC/ST reservation implemented in the University according to Central Government/State Government Policy.
3. Registering the complaints in writing from of SC/ST teachers/officers/employees and students and address for its peaceful resolution.

Function of the Cell:

As a Grievances Redressal Cell for the grievances of SC/ST students and employees and renders them necessary help in solving their academic as well as administrative problems.

1. It functions to promote higher education among the SC/ST or weaker communities that are suffering from economic, social and educational deprivations.
2. It continuously monitors and evaluates the reservation policies and other programs intended for SC/STs by the GOI for their effective implementation at the University.
3. It suggests the follow-up measures to the administration of the University for achieving the objectives and targets laid down by Government of Himachal Pradesh and MHRD, GOI for the empowerment of SC/STs.