India’s oldest Socialist Weekly!
Editor: Dr. G.G. Parikh | Associate Editor: Neeraj Jain | Managing Editor: Guddi
The architect of the Indian constitution had to wait for 75 years after independence for a statue to be erected in his honour. All this while, a taller statue of Manu – whose teachings are against the basic values of the constitution – was unveiled on the premises of the Jaipur bench of the Rajasthan high court way back in 1989.
Why is the BJP uncomfortable with the caste census? Why are the social justice parties excited, given the ways in which BJP has turned the table against them in the recent past? What possibilities and challenges does the caste survey open up for both the BJP and the opposition?
Bihar has chosen the education sector as the central priority to follow up on after the recent caste survey report. Also, on the recent decision of the Bihar Cabinet demanding that the Centre incorporate hiked reservation for deprived classes in the constitution and give Special Category Status for the state.
Professor Satish Deshpande argues that the survey is a significant step towards understanding the social and economic realities of the state.
The monthly income of 34.13% of all families in the state is a measly Rs 6,000, while 29.61% families survive on income between Rs 6,000 and Rs 10,000/month.
The authors delve into the economic theories surrounding caste discrimination and the resulting inter-caste disparities in employment, unemployment, wages and occupation.
It will wipe out internal debate and reformist tendencies within the tradition.
Without addressing structural inequities and ensuring secure employment opportunities, increasing quotas alone won’t bridge the gap.
Anand Teltumbde talks about the history of caste discrimination in India in the context of the caste census debates and how political parties have historically used backward castes for their political gains. He believes that the emancipation of the lower classes will not be possible through reservation alone.
One of the disturbing findings of the survey shows that one in two “general category” respondents admitted to making casteist comments intentionally or unintentionally. Of them, nearly 15% admitted to having intentionally passed casteist comments. Also: Violence against Dalits continues unrestricted across the nation.
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