Banking on counts: India’s new age socio-economic challenges

It is, therefore, obvious that a need has always been felt to know the numerical strength of every caste and community for ensuring optimum inclusivity in distribution of national opportunities and resources among our people, who together constitute the world’s most diverse and vibrant social group

The Indian economy is going to face a set of new challenges arising out of new age socio-political churnings across the country. A multitude of disparities has forever been a knotty issue for our policy makers and remains so even as India is poised to become the world’s third largest economy.

Hence, efforts will have to be made to ensure that the benefits of economic prosperity not only percolate to the masses but assure them a life of dignity, equality and justice. The uneven distribution of national resources and opportunities was never given due attention by the powers-that-be. Hollow slogans, fake promises and lip service have always been used as tools to woo voters.

There could be some exceptions in our democratic journey since 1952 but affirmative measures were never used as a wholesome means to build an inclusive and resilient socio-economic order.

The demand for caste census has now become a national issue and they stem the miniscule percentage of population that lords over quality resources, facilities and responsibilities. Bihar has already published a part of its caste survey, detailing the numerical strength of various castes, although details such as land holdings and other economic findings are yet to be released. Though there are conflicting voices about the relevance of caste survey, there is no scope to have any kind of doubt about uneven distribution of national opportunities, resources, facilities and privileges among our people.

On August 10, 2023, the Rajya Sabha was informed that 232,534 Indians surrendered their passports from across the country from 2014 to 2022, with the highest numbers reported from Delhi (60,414), Punjab (28,117) and Gujarat (22,300). Other states and Union territories that recorded large numbers included Goa (18,610), Maharashtra (17,171), Kerala (16,247), Tamil Nadu (14,046), Karnataka (10,245), Andhra Pradesh (9,235), Telangana (7,256), Daman and Diu (4,722) and Rajasthan (3,940), according to data provided by Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan. It is clear that the ultra-rich among us do not miss an opportunity to settle abroad.

Now the debate over the widening gap between haves and have-nots has assumed a new dimension with the growing chorus for a nationwide caste census. Though there are differences of opinion between aficionados of caste census and their opponents, a need is being felt on empowering the masses by realizing the goal of last mile development in a wholesome manner. It will not be out of context to mention here the fact that former Union ministers Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi and Ravi Shankar Prasad had on May 7, 2007 asked in the Rajya Sabha about the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the country and if efforts were made to obtain statistical information in this regard from the state governments.

Before we move to the answer provided by then Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar, one needs to appreciate the fact that the two important leaders of the country had rightly realized the importance of having authentic data about OBCs. None of us will disagree with the fact that numerical data serves as a crucial foundation for the holistic development of any community. By providing quantitative insights into various aspects of the community, such as population demographics, economic trends, education levels, healthcare access, and infrastructure, numerical data enables policymakers, researchers and community leaders to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions. It also empowers communities to advocate their rights and interests, fostering transparency and accountability in governance. Through the systematic collection and analysis of numerical data, communities can embark on evidence-based planning and policy formulation, ultimately fostering sustainable development and enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for their residents.

Now, the answer! Kumar informed in the written reply: Andhra Pradesh is said to have 3,12,58,924 as OBC population, Bihar 3,13,03,226; Chhattisgarh 88,07,652; Goa 7,64,753; Himachal Pradesh 9,03,074; Karnataka 3,61,24,594; Madhya Pradesh 1,83,57,258; Tripura 6,74,291; Uttar Pradesh 7,02,54,083; Uttarakhand 12,23,476; West Bengal 1,20,92,205; Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1,64,731; and Dadar & Nagar Haveli 2966. Data was based on different sources including Panchayati Raj institutions and State Commission for Backward Classes. Uttarakhand did not mention the source, while Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Lakshadweep said that they have no OBC population and the remaining States and UTs did not furnish the data.

It is, therefore, obvious that a need has always been felt to know the numerical strength of every caste and community for ensuring optimum inclusivity in distribution of national opportunities and resources among our people, who together constitute the world’s most diverse and vibrant social group.

The comprehensive socio-economic status of SC, ST and OBC population will help the governments – at the Centre and in the States – to further accelerate the pace of their empowerment.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Vinod Kumar on June 6, 2022 pointed out that approximately 19,437 SC and OBC students were provided with free coaching at an expenditure of around Rs. 91.37 crore since 2014-15. The number is too little as compared to the magnitude of their population and socio-educational backwardness.

Similarly, Dr Kumar said that around 17,817 SC students were benefitted under the Top-Class Scholarship Scheme since 2014-15 for which around Rs. 313.48 crore was spent. Without casting any aspersions on the intent of today’s governments and that of the past, there is no ground to dismiss the need to go the extra mile in empowering the country’s vast masses educationally, economically and socially. They have been left behind for ages and for reasons certainly not unknown to us.

(The writer is a senior journalist, columnist and author. The views expressed are his personal opinions)