Rahul Haldar

India's caste system, a complex social hierarchy that has endured for millennia, remains a contentious and deeply ingrained aspect of its society. The question of conducting a caste census—a comprehensive enumeration of individuals based on their caste affiliations—has been a topic of intense debate, sparking passionate arguments both for and against it. In this article, we delve into the historical context, present-day implications, and potential future impacts of caste census in India, exploring its benefits, challenges, and far-reaching consequences across various domains. Historical Backdrop The roots of caste census in India can be traced back to the British colonial era, when the first comprehensive census was conducted in 1871-72. This census categorized people based on their caste affiliations, thereby solidifying the system and providing the colonial administration with a tool for governance and control. Subsequent censuses in 1901, 1911, and 1931 continued this practice, ...

A recent Supreme Court ruling permitting the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) has ignited a fierce debate, with critics fearing it may dismantle India's reservation system, a cornerstone of social justice since independence. This landmark decision, while aimed at addressing inequalities within these marginalized communities, poses significant challenges and risks exacerbating existing disparities. The Rationale and Concerns The Court's ruling stems from the recognition that not all members of SC and ST communities face the same levels of discrimination and disadvantage. Sub-categorization seeks to identify the "most backward" among these groups and allocate reservation benefits accordingly. However, critics argue that this approach is fraught with complexities and potential pitfalls.   1. Explained: Supreme Court's verdict on sub-classification of SCs and STs indianexpress.com Implementation Hurdles Identifying the "mo...

The reservation conflict in Bangladesh, centered around the quota system in government jobs, has been a recurring source of social unrest and political debate in the country. It represents a clash between the ideals of social justice and meritocracy, with profound implications for the nation's social fabric, political landscape, and economic development. This article delves into the historical roots of the quota system, the evolution of the conflict, the diverse perspectives of stakeholders, and the broader impacts on Bangladeshi society. Historical Context The quota system in Bangladesh dates back to the country's independence in 1971. In the aftermath of a devastating war, the government sought to address historical disadvantages faced by certain groups, particularly those who had been marginalized during the Pakistani regime. The system aimed to ensure representation in public services for freedom fighters, women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Initially, t...