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.