Q. Which measures would you suggest for preventing caste conflicts in India? Justify your argument.

Model Answer:

Preventing Caste Conflicts in India

Caste conflicts stem from structural inequalities and historical prejudices, requiring comprehensive intervention across socio-economic, legal, and cultural dimensions to build an egalitarian society.

Socio-Economic Empowerment

Economic inequality reinforces caste hierarchies, as Andre Beteille notes the dangerous congruence between low caste status and class position. Key measures include:
– Land reforms and institutional credit for landless Dalit laborers to reduce agrarian conflicts
– Promoting Dalit entrepreneurship through initiatives like DICCI, fostering economic self-reliance
– Robust affirmative action in education/employment with skill development programs diversifying occupational structures beyond traditional caste roles

Legal-Administrative Strengthening

Weak justice delivery emboldens perpetrators and perpetuates violence cycles. Essential interventions:
– Strict enforcement of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 with time-bound prosecution
– Police-judicial sensitization through mandatory caste-sensitivity training ensuring accountability
– Local vigilance committees with multi-caste representation for conflict pre-emption and mediation

Cultural-Educational Transformation

Following Ambedkar’s thesis in Annihilation of Caste, ideological sanctity of caste must be dismantled through:
– Incentivizing inter-caste marriages directly attacking endogamy principle
– Curriculum reform inculcating constitutional values of fraternity and equality
– Mass media campaigns against untouchability and caste stereotypes

Conclusion: These integrated measures, implemented simultaneously with political will and adequate resources, can transform India’s caste-conflict landscape, realizing constitutional promises of equality and fraternity.