8 months ago
Caste Census Debate: Scholarship and Political Rhetoric
Anand Teltumbde, a scholar and activist, has written a book about the upcoming caste census in India.
He argues that counting castes won't solve social and economic inequalities.
The book talks about the history of caste, how the British used it to divide people, and what has happened since India's independence.
Teltumbde believes that the current discussion about the caste census is too narrow and won't really change things.
He thinks the government might use the census to manage caste issues rather than solve them.
He also compares India's situation with affirmative action programs in other countries.
In the end, he says that while a caste census might be necessary now, the real goal should be to end caste discrimination altogether.
Anand Teltumbde's book argues that a caste census won't resolve social and economic inequalities in India.
The book discusses the history of caste, including its use by the British for divide and rule.
Teltumbde criticizes the narrow framing of the caste census debate, which he sees as a tool for managing rather than solving caste issues.
He compares India's situation with affirmative action programs in other countries like the US and South Africa.
Teltumbde believes the ultimate goal should be the annihilation of caste, not just managing it through censuses and reservations.
- Who
- Anand Teltumbde, an academic and activist
- What
- A book discussing the implications of a caste census in India
- Where
- India
- When
- The book discusses events up to the recent Bihar legislative assembly elections
- Why
- To challenge the notion that a caste census could re-emphasize the importance of caste in society and politics
Key facts
- Author
- Anand Teltumbde
- Book Title
- The Caste Con Census
- Publisher
- Navayana
- Pages
- 256
- Price
- ₹ 499
- Last Caste Census
- 1931
- SECC Conducted
- 2011
- SECC Data Released
- 2015
Quotes
Anand Teltumbde
Academic and activist, author of 'The Caste Con Census'
“The discourse is rarely 'seen as a tool to expose the full spectrum of caste-based inequality, particularly the domination of elite castes who have historically cornered a disproportionate share of power, privilege and public resources.'”
livemint.com
“While the caste census is a 'pragmatic measure' and may appear necessary at this juncture, the politics that follow must be guided by—and not become a substitute for—the ultimate goal of annihilation of caste.”
livemint.com
