Context: India needs to ensure growth and opportunities for all to get rid of from Caste-based discrimination.
Government measures to make ‘Caste’ irrelevant
Empowering all sections of society by providing growth opportunities: “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” has made the foundational principle of India’s governance model.
Promoting oneness of India and equality of all Bharatiyas: State is responsible for building a just and egalitarian society in line with great leaders of nation.
Key aspect of oneness is developing social order where caste is irrelevant.
Incorporating vision of great leaders: Like “jaati todo abhiyan” of Swami Vivekananda and the teachings of Deendayal Upadhyaya, who spoke of “antyodaya”, the rise of the last man.
Education, Efforts and Efficiency to all: The current government is working relentlessly to ensure the quality education, level playing field to make efforts and fair and equitable efficiency to all.
The aim is to ensure social inclusion and social mobility of the vulnerable sections.
Issues associated with Caste System in India
Caste linked to occupation: It means, only a certain group of people should do a certain type of work.
Continuing symbolisms: Surname of a person reflect to his occupation, which created social hierarchies as certain kinds of work were considered superior to others.
Political exploitation of identities: Caste-based social hierarchy has for long been exploited by political parties to expand their base and win elections. Social groups were empowered and disempowered based on electoral calculations.
Way Forward
Ensure social mobility: Make use of technology, which is a democratising and equalising force, rather than linked to caste.
Democratising technology with the aim of building a more democratic and egalitarian society. Technology should be deployed in physical labour in the same way it is used in work requiring mental or intellectual labour.
Ensure access of quality education: Education is the most potent enabler of social mobility.
Ensuring a life of dignity to all: The government is also ensuring a life of dignity for all by providing food, health, employment opportunities and roads in remote villages.