The correct answer is: b) Prevent crimes and discrimination against marginalized communities.
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is an Act of the Parliament of India that provides for special provisions for the prevention of atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Act defines an “atrocity” as an act of violence or intimidation committed against a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe with the intention of humiliating or degrading them on the ground of their caste or tribe. The Act also provides for punishment for such acts, including imprisonment for up to seven years.
The Act was enacted in response to the widespread discrimination and violence faced by members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India. The Act has been successful in reducing the incidence of atrocities against these communities, but there is still a long way to go.
Option a) is incorrect because the Act does not provide reservations in education and jobs. Reservations are provided under the Constitution of India and other laws.
Option c) is incorrect because the Act does not aim to abolish the caste system. The caste system is a social system that is deeply entrenched in Indian society and it is not possible to abolish it overnight. The Act, however, does aim to prevent discrimination against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Option d) is incorrect because the Act does not promote religious conversion. Religious conversion is a personal matter and the Act does not interfere in it.