Context :
- Caste-Based Enumeration and Social Justice
- Sikkim@50’ celebrations
Caste-Based Enumeration and Social Justice
Caste-Based Enumeration In The Upcoming Decadal Census Will Be A Transformative Step; Will Bring About Social Justice: Vice-President
Caste-Based Enumeration: A Transformative Tool
- VP calls inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the upcoming decadal census a “game-changing” decision.
- Compares it to MRI of the body – reveals underlying societal realities for policy integration, not division.
- Stresses it will fulfill aspirations, ensure social justice, and translate constitutional ideals into accountable outcomes.
- Reminds that India hasn’t had a caste census since 1931, indicating the urgency of updated data.
Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues,Governance)
Statistics as the Pillar of Good Governance
- Equates policy planning without statistics to surgery in the dark — a high-risk gamble.
- Highlights the criticality of real-time, accurate data to create informed policies.
- Warns that stale or delayed data undermines governance; timely statistics lead to exponential outcomes.
Empirical Thinking & Evidence-Based Governance
- Urges India to become a nation that thinks empirically, driven by data, not assumptions.
- Future belongs to those who master the art of reading societal trends and statistical signatures.
- Every number is a human story; statistics are not cold figures but testimonies of collective aspirations.
Demographic Analysis and National Security
- Understanding demographic variation through data is essential for:
- Security planning
- Policy foresight
- Preserving sovereignty
- Demographic data becomes a compass for national development and threat mitigation.
Statistics for Equity and Targeted Governance
- Calls ISS officers “agents of equality”; their work reveals hidden geometries of inequality.
- Data helps target interventions where most needed, making democracy more inclusive.
- Good governance is enabled by statistical cartography.
Role of Civil Servants and Bureaucracy
- Civil servants are “silent architects” behind India’s socio-economic progress.
- Effective bureaucracy + visionary political leadership = India’s growth success.
- Bureaucratic execution under visionary leadership is fueling India’s infrastructure boom and economic rise.
Linguistic Diversity as Unity
- India’s languages are not a divisive force but a unifying cultural strength.
- Highlights the constitutional vision of promoting Hindi and regional languages while phasing out English.
- Praises NEP for enabling vernacular education in technical fields — a move towards inclusive education.
Concluding Message
- Data is strategic capital in 21st-century governance.
- Caste-based census is a milestone towards equality and effective governance.
- Empirical thinking, not rhetoric, must shape India’s path to becoming Viksit Bharat.
Caste-Based Enumeration in India: Key Points
Background
- Caste census last conducted in 1931 (British India).
- Post-independence censuses collect data on SCs and STs only—not OBCs or other castes.
- Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 attempted caste data collection—but data not released due to reliability issues.
Constitutional & Legal Basis
- Article 340: Empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate conditions of backward classes (basis for Mandal Commission).
- No explicit constitutional mandate for a caste census, but states can conduct surveys for welfare under federal powers.
Recent Developments
- Bihar Caste Survey (2023): First comprehensive state-level caste survey post-independence.
- Other states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan considering similar surveys.
- Demand for a nationwide caste census raised during discussions on social justice and reservation.
Arguments in Favour
- Helps in targeted welfare and better policy planning.
- Enables data-driven affirmative action (especially for OBCs).
- Helps correct outdated estimates and understand intra-group inequalities.
- Supports horizontal reservation (e.g., within OBCs for EBCs, Most Backward Castes).
Arguments Against
- Risks deepening caste divisions and politicizing identity.
- Questions over data reliability and self-identification.
- Concerns about administrative burden and possible misuse.
- May overshadow class-based inequalities.
Judicial View
- Supreme Court (Indra Sawhney case, 1992): Recognized OBCs as a valid category for affirmative action but stressed need for updated data.
- Courts have allowed state surveys if done for welfare—not for electoral politics.
‘Sikkim@50’ celebrations
Context :
- Marks the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood; PM hails it as a moment of pride and reflection.
- Theme: “Where Progress Meets Purpose, and Nature Nurtures Growth.”
- PM congratulated the people and appreciated Sikkim’s cultural and democratic journey since 1975.
Relevance : GS 2(Polity ,Federalism) , Facts for Prelims.
Sikkim as a Model State
- Described as a “Green Model State” with:
- 100% organic farming status.
- Rich biodiversity.
- High per capita income.
- Seen as a model of sustainable development, blending tradition and modernity.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Push
- Key infrastructure developments:
- Atal Setu connecting to Darjeeling.
- Bagdogra-Gangtok Expressway (to link with Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway).
- Sevoke-Rangpo rail line to connect Sikkim to Indian Railways.
- Focus on ropeways where roads are not feasible.
Healthcare & Welfare
- Healthcare access:
- Expansion of AIIMS and medical colleges.
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme: 25,000+ people in Sikkim benefited.
- ₹5 lakh free treatment to all citizens above 70.
- Emphasis on affordability and accessibility.
Agriculture & Organic Identity
- Sikkim lauded as a leader in organic agriculture.
- First organic fisheries cluster launched in Soreng district.
- Export of Dalle Khursani chili marks start of global agri-trade push.
- Emphasis on youth participation in agri-entrepreneurship.
Tourism as a Growth Engine
- Aim: Transform Sikkim into a global tourism destination.
- Focus areas:
- Adventure & sports tourism (trekking, mountain biking).
- Spiritual & nature tourism (e.g., Kanchenjunga National Park).
- Conference & wellness tourism (via convention centers).
- Projects like skywalk and Vajpayee statue to enhance tourism appeal.
Sports Development & Youth Focus
- Vision to make India a global sports superpower.
- Sikkim’s legacy: Bhaichung Bhutia, Tarundeep Rai, Jaslal Pradhan.
- Khelo India Scheme giving special attention to Sikkim:
- Training, talent identification, and tournaments.
- New sports complex in Gangtok to serve as a hub for future champions.
Unity, Security & National Integration
- Northeast once seen as isolated—now central to India’s growth story.
- Northeast, especially Sikkim, seen as a symbol of unity, diversity, and resilience.
Governance Vision
- Development guided by Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
- Vision of balanced regional development to avoid neglect of border or remote regions.
- Northeast treated as an equal stakeholder in India’s rise.
Sikkim: At a Glance
- Statehood: Became the 22nd state of India on 16 May 1975.
- Capital: Gangtok
- Official Languages: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, English
- Border States & Countries:
- West: Nepal
- North & East: China (Tibet)
- South: West Bengal
- East: Bhutan
Environment & Agriculture
- India’s first 100% organic state (declared in 2016).
- Hosts the Khangchendzonga National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Rich in flora and fauna (Rhododendrons, Red Panda – state animal).
Unique Features
- Known for Dalle Khursani (GI-tagged chili).
- Home to Soreng, India’s first organic fisheries cluster.
- High per capita income among NE states.
- High literacy rate (~82%) and HDI rankings.
