CASTE CENSUS: BRIDGING INEQUALITY OR DIVIDING INDIA?
The Daily Guardian|November 20, 2024
The caste census has emerged as a polarizing topic in India's political landscape, dominating headlines and sparking debates across the nation. With its roots deeply embedded in India's historical and democratic framework, the idea of a caste census is both a tool for empowerment and a potential source of fragmentation. A conversation between Badri Narayana, director, G B Pant Institute in Allahabad and Aishwarya Pandit Sharma delves into the historical significance, political implications and societal impact of the caste census.
CASTE CENSUS: BRIDGING INEQUALITY OR DIVIDING INDIA?

The concept of a caste census is not new. Historically, the idea of enumerating castes has been intertwined with India's governance and social structures.

Dr. Badri Narayan, a noted scholar and director of the GB Pant Institute in Allahabad, explains that caste censuses historically provided critical data on the demographic distribution of various caste groups. This information often became a basis for power sharing in democratic and developmental frameworks.

"In a democracy, numbers translate to power," Dr. Narayan says. "Caste census data allows communities to claim their rightful share in political representation, developmental projects, and welfare schemes. This is why the demand for a caste census is so fervent, especially among groups seeking greater recognition and resources."

The British colonial government conducted caste-based enumerations during the decennial census until 1931. These censuses not only documented the stratification within Indian society but also reinforced caste identities. Post-independence, however, India moved away from such explicit enumerations, focusing instead on broader socioeconomic categories.

A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

The demand for a caste census has resurfaced in recent years, particularly among opposition parties who see it as a means to address inequalities and strengthen their political base. However, the potential benefits of such a census come with significant risks.

Dr. Narayan highlights the dual nature of caste enumeration. On one hand, it communities by making their needs visible. For example, many Dalit sub-castes remain underrepresented in policy discussions because challenges are unknown. A caste census could bring these groups into the mainstream of political and developmental discourse.

This story is from the November 20, 2024 edition of The Daily Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 20, 2024 edition of The Daily Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE DAILY GUARDIANView All
Odisha swimmers shatter records, shine at South Africa Championships
The Daily Guardian

Odisha swimmers shatter records, shine at South Africa Championships

Odisha swimmers Shristi Upadhaya and Mannata Mishra recently created waves in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Short Course Swimming Championships, South Africa where they created new best Indian Performance in women's 100m butterfly and 100m breaststroke categories respectively.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
India shines with 33 medals at Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships
The Daily Guardian

India shines with 33 medals at Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships

The Indian contingent concluded their campaign at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, securing an impressive total of 33 medals, according to Olympics.com.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 26, 2024
Maheshwari-Anantjeet win skeet mixed team national title
The Daily Guardian

Maheshwari-Anantjeet win skeet mixed team national title

The duo of Maheshwari Chauhan and Anantjeet Singh Naruka rounded off a good year by winning the skeet mixed team title for their home state Rajasthan in the National Shooting Championship here on Wednesday.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
Bumrah Hits Joint-Highest ICC Rating for Indian Test Bowlers
The Daily Guardian

Bumrah Hits Joint-Highest ICC Rating for Indian Test Bowlers

Bumrah solidified his top spot in the Test Bowling Rankings following an outstanding performance in Brisbane, where he earned 14 rating points for his 9/94 haul.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 26, 2024
Cummins reveals Head 'good to go', confirms Boland, Konstas for playing XI
The Daily Guardian

Cummins reveals Head 'good to go', confirms Boland, Konstas for playing XI

Ahead of the fourth Test against India at Melbourne, Australian skipper Pat Cummins confirmed that left-handed batter Travis Head is fit to play, following a minor quad strain in the Brisbane Test and pacer Scott Boland will replace injured Josh Hazlewood.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
ROHIT SHARMA LIKELY TO OPEN AT MCG. KL RAHUL LIKELY AT NO. 3
The Daily Guardian

ROHIT SHARMA LIKELY TO OPEN AT MCG. KL RAHUL LIKELY AT NO. 3

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to open during the fourth Test against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a Boxing Day affair starting from Thursday, as per reports.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 26, 2024
Altair® RapidMiner® Unlocks Next-Level Capabilities With Advanced AI Agent Framework
The Daily Guardian

Altair® RapidMiner® Unlocks Next-Level Capabilities With Advanced AI Agent Framework

Platform empowers users to seamlessly build and deploy advanced AI agents

time-read
2 mins  |
December 26, 2024
What will be your criteria to select the test automation tool?
The Daily Guardian

What will be your criteria to select the test automation tool?

Selecting the right test automation tool in today's market can feel like a daunting task.

time-read
1 min  |
December 26, 2024
DIGITAL TWINS: THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL REPLICAS AND REAL-WORLD SOLUTIONS
The Daily Guardian

DIGITAL TWINS: THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL REPLICAS AND REAL-WORLD SOLUTIONS

Imagine a world where you can create a virtual doppelganger—not for yourself, but for your car, your home, or even your city.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 26, 2024
Kawasaki W175 Review: A True Retro for Those Who Understand Motorcycles!
The Daily Guardian

Kawasaki W175 Review: A True Retro for Those Who Understand Motorcycles!

If, like me, you also grew up riding motorcycles in the late '80s and early '90s, and are still riding, chances are that you are in better shape than most half your age.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 26, 2024