Constitution Review 8212; Panel will not curtail rights, guarantees

Allaying fears of SCs and STs, he said the Commission 8220;does not propose to curtail, diminish or cut down in any manner the rights and guarantees provided by the Constitution8221; to these groups. On the contrary, he added, the idea was to try to recommend methods for effectuating these rights.

The Commission, which has identified 10 core areas which in its view need examination, has set up separate committees to look into each of them. These panels would prepare background papers and questionnaires to be sent to research institutions, study groups and political parties among others for their views.

Asked to comment on BJP8217;s proposal to bring out a 8220;white paper8221; on the Constitution, Reddy said he had nothing to say about what the ruling party wanted to do. 8220;The Commission has been appointed by the Government. It is wrong to say that we will be influenced by any political party or group,8221; he said.

About some political parties criticising the setting up of the Commission, he said: 8220;We cannot stop criticism8230;criticism is not unexpected if you have taken up this kind of work.8221; Among the 10 areas that the Commission has identified are electoral reforms, removal of poverty, Centre-State relations, fundamental rights and legal control of fiscal and monetary policies.