Which of the following is/are NOT correct about the initiatives of the government to address caste discrimination in India?

The proportion of reserved seats is equal to the percentage share of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes and OBCs in the total population.

The correct answer is Option 3: The proportion of reserved seats is equal to the percentage share of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes and OBCs in the total population. 

Option 1: The Indian state has had special programmes for the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes since even before Independence. Correct. The Schedules identifying the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were prepared by the British Indian government in 1935, and these measures were continued after Independence.

Option 2: The most important state initiative attempting to compensate for past and present caste discrimination is the one popularly known as ‘reservations’. Correct. Reservations in legislatures, government employment and educational institutions constitute the principal affirmative action measure.

Option 3: The proportion of reserved seats is equal to the percentage share of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes and OBCs in the total population. Incorrect. While reservations for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes broadly correspond to their share in the population, the proportion for OBCs is decided differently.

Option 4: Caste Disabilities Removal Act of 1850 disallowed the curtailment of rights of citizens due solely to change of religion or caste. Correct. The Act protected individuals from losing civil rights merely because they changed their religion or caste.