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.
4. Critics believe that conducting a caste census might reinforce social divisions and caste identities. It could lead to polarization and potentially hinder the progress made in reducing caste-based discrimination. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article reports that the Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that only the central government has the authority to conduct a census or any similar exercise.
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.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
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.
