Caste remains a reality in India, but state-sponsored identification risks legitimising and perpetuating divisions that India should aim to move beyond.
One of the fundamental principles of our constitution is ‘equality for all’. A caste census has the potential to formalise the social stigma connected with SC/ST/OBC/Dalit tagging.
Another reason cited by BJP's spin doctors is the Bihar Assembly election. It’s fallacious, too. Such a big decision is not taken in view of just one Assembly election.
An audit of past schemes is needed to ensure that affirmative action benefits the real marginalised. Unlike previous govts, Modi's BJP actually has a plan for 'Garibi Hatao'.
On 6 May 2010, BJP leader Gopinath Munde warned that not counting OBCs in the caste census would mean denying social justice to more than half the country for another decade.
The Modi government doesn't want to jeopardise its hold on the backward caste vote, especially with Congress and Mandal-era parties like SP and RJD eyeing the same turf.
Despite multiple agencies being involved, the US could maintain a clear chain of command. This is something India should consider too, as it defines the theatre command structures.
The latest comment comes as New Delhi and Washington have yet to sign a trade agreement. India’s purchase of Russian oil has reduced, but Moscow remains top source for crude.
Venezuela also boasts of a diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance and being employed for kinetic purposes as well.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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