Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
3. Discuss the significance of a caste census in India and its potential impact on socio-economic policies. Analyse the arguments in favour of and against the demand for a caste census, and state your own opinion on the matter.” (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article argues that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demand for a caste census in India is justified, as it will provide valuable data on the socio-economic status of different caste groups and help policymakers design more targeted welfare policies.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about benefits of collecting caste based data in census as well as the harms it might cause in light of the reality of Indian society. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday reiterated demand for a caste based census in the country and claimed that it was highly beneficial.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of caste-based census in India.
Body:
In the first part, discuss the pros – lack of accurate data related to many affirmative action programmes of the government, helpful in the debate related to reservation policy, targeted poverty reduction programmes etc
Next, Discuss the cons – creates chasms within society, historical apprehensions when such data was used to further divide and rule policy, the reality of Indian society and the implications that it would have in a situation of trust deficit between communities, it would be a process of recording caste generated a conception of community as a homogeneous and classifiable community and thereby influenced the processes of political representation.
Conclusion:
Based on above arguments give a fair and balanced view as conclusion.
