I was on the other side but now I am fully convinced this is a retrogressive step . Prof. Mehta’s remarks about this just becoming a distraction for the state from delivering the most important services like education and health for all , stuff that doesn’t even require details about caste standing of the receivers , is spot on .
How do you address “equality” enshrined in the constitution? Reservations are an exception. Can an exception eat away the principle: equality? That’s the reason why the S.C laid 50% isn’t it? The intention of caste-census is to increase representations. Apart from the data may be useful to other purposes also.
Caste based census is meaningful only if political class has integrity, honesty and will to correct the flaws of current reservation policy, including a willingness to change the criteria, & snub the dominant "reserved" castes. Else it is just buttering the BCs up.
Data has always been there. But the solution of inclusion is more important. How people gather as inclusive community will be the real progress beyond dividing lines of differentiation. Is there real economic & inclusive representation& progress for children without misrepresentation… over time are children of different caste made to feel proud of parents & as inclusive instead of exclusive or counting them as lower& higher as it was done before?
I enjoyed reading this piece. It has given me new perspectives on the latest political agenda of the parties vying for power. The common man who reads Substack question, like me, is what further distortion this can bring. It is crucial therefore that the data generated doesn’t turn out actions like that of Mandal commission with myriad leaders enjoying power, leading to another exploiting decade. The most sensible outcome would be to leverage technology and provide DBT for the targeted masses instead of broad based reservations or entitlement. It meets with the politicians main agenda as well. May be like the EV subsidy you may ask for their mug shot and issue a certificate (while keeping a record of the booth they vote at).
Amazing arguments on caste based census . Enjoyed this a lot .
thanks. What's your view?
I was on the other side but now I am fully convinced this is a retrogressive step . Prof. Mehta’s remarks about this just becoming a distraction for the state from delivering the most important services like education and health for all , stuff that doesn’t even require details about caste standing of the receivers , is spot on .
Easily one of my favourite editions in recent times..good on you Pranay and team!
thanks!
How do you address “equality” enshrined in the constitution? Reservations are an exception. Can an exception eat away the principle: equality? That’s the reason why the S.C laid 50% isn’t it? The intention of caste-census is to increase representations. Apart from the data may be useful to other purposes also.
Wonderful read.
Caste based census is meaningful only if political class has integrity, honesty and will to correct the flaws of current reservation policy, including a willingness to change the criteria, & snub the dominant "reserved" castes. Else it is just buttering the BCs up.
Data has always been there. But the solution of inclusion is more important. How people gather as inclusive community will be the real progress beyond dividing lines of differentiation. Is there real economic & inclusive representation& progress for children without misrepresentation… over time are children of different caste made to feel proud of parents & as inclusive instead of exclusive or counting them as lower& higher as it was done before?
I enjoyed reading this piece. It has given me new perspectives on the latest political agenda of the parties vying for power. The common man who reads Substack question, like me, is what further distortion this can bring. It is crucial therefore that the data generated doesn’t turn out actions like that of Mandal commission with myriad leaders enjoying power, leading to another exploiting decade. The most sensible outcome would be to leverage technology and provide DBT for the targeted masses instead of broad based reservations or entitlement. It meets with the politicians main agenda as well. May be like the EV subsidy you may ask for their mug shot and issue a certificate (while keeping a record of the booth they vote at).