Date : 25/10/2023

Relevance – GS Paper1 - Society- Salient aspects of Diversity of India and Indian Society.

Keywords –Caste- based Identity politics, Creamy Layer, Knowledge Commission, Mandal Commission

Context

Caste has been a deeply ingrained social structure in India, influencing various aspects of life, particularly the political landscape. It remains a significant force, shaping not only individual identities but also the nation's trajectory. Here we look into the multifaceted dynamics of caste politics in India, exploring its impact on power dynamics, reservations, creamy layers, and the broader implications for building strong public institutions. It is essential to understand this intricate web to address the complex issue of social inequality.

Caste as a Dominant Force in Politics

• Caste continues to wield enormous influence in Indian politics. It plays a central role in shaping electoral strategies, with politicians often relying on caste-based mobilization to secure votes. Caste-based identity politics can divert attention from more profound issues, hindering the development of robust public institutions.
• Caste enumeration is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the social inequalities that persist in India. Caste serves as a significant regulator of life chances, and honest counting is essential to combat these disparities. However, the politics surrounding caste can hinder impartial counting and a fair assessment of social inequalities

Caste-Based Reservations: An Evolving Challenge

• The Constitutional provisions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Class citizens were built on the foundation of the Gandhi-Ambedkar compromise, which emphasized proportional representation as a path to empowerment.
• The hope was that such a strategy would trigger social mobility, with beneficiaries acting as role models for their communities. However, the expected demonstration effects have yet to work as anticipated.
• Creamy layers within the OBC, SC, and ST categories have consolidated their hold over reservation benefits, leaving the more oppressed and deprived castes and sub-castes seeking special quotas within broader categories.
• As a result, demands for inclusion from castes were left out, and requests for reclassification to the SC or ST category emerged. Reports of atrocities against Dalits and vulnerable castes continue to be a grim reality.

Formation of Creamy Layers and the Role of Early Beneficiaries

• The demand for reservations from even dominant castes, who wield significant influence at the state level if not at the national level, provides insight into the creation of creamy layers. These creamy layers consist of individuals who prevent the benefits of reservations from reaching the underprivileged sections of society. Even the Mandal Commission, considered the cornerstone of the Backward Classes movement, had collected evidence indicating the emergence of creamy layers within the Scheduled Caste category. To address social inequality effectively, an honest assessment and a well-considered strategy should focus on the phenomenon of creamy layer formation.
• Creamy layers develop because castes and communities that initially benefited from reservations can amass substantial social and cultural capital, enabling them to monopolize the entitlements they receive. This "early bird syndrome" exacerbates the disadvantages faced by later entrant castes and communities within the reserved categories.
• Harvard scholar Suraj Yengde has pointed out that more successful Dalits have subverted the broader cause of social justice. The formation of creamy layers, particularly within the SC category, presents a significant challenge in addressing social inequalities effectively.

The Universal Phenomenon of Creamy Layers

• The formation of creamy layers is a universal phenomenon, but in India, it assumes a more pernicious form due to the institution of the family. Family and kinship ties in India play a crucial role in exacerbating social and economic inequalities. The Indian tradition of valuing the family is stronger and more enduring compared to the West, where nepotism is a related issue but not to the same extent.
• The Indian family's influence extends to politics, with politicians and public servants often prioritizing familial obligations over public interest. This behavior is normalized, leading to instances where family members of politicians make significant gains in business and real estate, leveraging their social capital.

Challenging the Institution of the Indian Family

• Addressing the issue of social inequality in India requires extending the battle against caste to the battle against the institution of the Indian family. When politicians and public servants prioritize familial obligations over public service, it is seen as normal, contributing to the prevalence of dynasties in various spheres of life.
• A radical solution to social inequality demands dismantling institutions that perpetuate elitism. Public institutions in education and healthcare need to be established and nurtured, as they play a critical role in reducing inequality.

The Impact of Caste Politics on Public Institutions

• The politics of caste diverts attention from the critical task of building and strengthening public institutions, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors. The Knowledge Commission, established by the UPA government, highlighted the dire shortage of such institutions, both in terms of quantity and quality.
• In recent years, private universities and professional institutions has increased. Unfortunately, policymakers and politicians, drawn by the immediate rewards of engaging in caste politics, tend to neglect the development of public institutions. This trend has contributed to the overall decline in the quality of these institutions.

The Need for Dismantling Elitist Structures

• To promote equality, it is essential to dismantle institutions that perpetuate elitism. However, building and sustaining public institutions require a degree of cultural pride that leans towards elitism. This contradiction underscores the complexity of addressing social inequality in India.

Conclusion

Caste politics is a formidable force in India, deeply embedded in the nation's fabric. While it provides a platform for historically marginalized communities to demand their rights, it can also be divisive and divert attention from broader societal issues. The formation of creamy layers within reservation categories further complicates the fight against social inequality.
Efforts to combat caste-based disparities should extend to challenging the institution of the Indian family, which often prioritizes familial obligations over public interest. Furthermore, a focus on building and strengthening public institutions, rather than engaging in divisive caste politics, is crucial to addressing social inequality comprehensively.
The battle for social justice requires a nuanced approach that goes beyond identity politics and focuses on structural change, including dismantling elitist structures and enhancing the quality of public institutions. It is a complex journey, but a necessary one for India's progress towards a more equitable society.

Source – Indian Express