- The Indian citizens closely following the fortunes of the country, especially socio-economic and socio-welfare measures introduced from time to time, would be wondering how the political class often relishes in the opportunities presented to consolidate assiduously built vote banks. Irrespective of party affiliation/ideology/philosophy, the political class always wishes to ensure that parochial considerations are at the forefront of their mission/vision to further their cause. As you are aware, one of the most observed phenomena in the Indian political firmament is the deep-rooted caste conundrum that is not only inevitable but also indispensable to attract attention vis-à-vis the labyrinthine equations difficult to decipher for even seasoned campaigners.
PC:Business Today
- For the uninitiated, the Constitution framers, right at the time of Independence, had unambiguously described that the sovereign nation would not be defined by the historically caste dominated society. Adapting to modern-day requirements as necessitated by the emerging trends was felt. Of course, Indian history is replete with instances of how the deeply caste based hierarchical tendencies defined our day-to-day existence. The deep division within society based on caste hierarchy has had a telling effect on the psyche of the majority population. Despite India advancing tremendously over the decades, standing at the cusp of being counted as one of the top three economies in the world, the caste system never fails to hit the headlines. That’s ironic.
PC: LinkedIn
- Thankfully, the extremely inhuman untouchability that was so widely prevalent before independence and for a couple of decades after, too, has been disbanded through legislative as well as societal initiatives. The regressive practice of untouchability may have seen its worst times, but the issue of caste being displayed as an attractive proposition to wean away the electorate hasn’t seen any stiff opposition from people representatives. We know how the caste-based reservations and quotas in government jobs and educational institutions have found an inalienable place in day-to-day lives. Not only that, the clamour for even more reservations and quotas from different castes is only increasing by the day.
PC: TeamLease
- The Grand Old Party of India has been in the news of late since the scion of the party is voluminously vocal in demanding a nationwide caste census ostensibly to correct the historical wrongs. Every party worth its salt in the country would want to trade cautiously on the matter since the very existence of their political fortunes largely depends on various caste equations. The moot point to ponder here is why the political class wishes to fish in the disturbed waters without considering the larger implications on the nation’s growth trajectory. Rather than fighting for providing better opportunities vis-à-vis job creation, employment, quality education, and dignity, political compulsions are driving our leaders. What about merit, then? What is it?
