The Modi government’s reluctance to hold caste census shows it’s politically inflammable. It can trigger socio-political churn, reopen political fault lines and even sharpen caste divides. However, it is a necessary evil. Credible and current empirical data is critical as long as caste is a factor in affirmative policy interventions.
Assam Police’s anti-encroachment drive has communal undertones. BJP govt is playing with fire
Assam Police firing on villagers during an anti-encroachment drive is alarming. It raises serious questions about the methods of the BJP government and its commitment to human rights. The drive itself is questionable, with political and communal undertones. This is playing with fire in a state with a troubled past.
Compensation for Covid-19 victims is paltry. Govt would be wise to invest in health instead
To put a price on a person’s life is odious. So, Rs 50,000 compensation for those who died of Covid-19 is too little and can even offend many. The pandemic couldn’t be avoided, but not ill-preparedness and mismanagement. The government’d be wiser to invest the money in health infrastructure instead.