July 26 – GS2/Social Justice: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: "The caste system is adopting new identities and associational forms; therefore, it cannot be eradicated in India." Discuss.  (250 words)

Introduction

The caste system in India has a long history of influencing social order, job roles, and marriage customs. Even though the Indian Constitution, through Article 17, aims to eliminate caste-based discrimination, the system continues to exist in different forms today.

New Identities and Associational Forms

Political Mobilization:

• Caste-Based Political Parties: Groups have formed political parties to represent specific caste interests.
• Vote Bank Politics: Politicians use caste identities to attract votes, reinforcing caste distinctions in politics.

Economic Associations:

• Caste-Based Business Networks: Communities like the Marwaris and Chettiars have created strong business networks that offer economic support within the caste.
• Microfinance and Cooperatives: In rural areas, caste-based cooperatives and microfinance groups provide financial services, strengthening caste ties.

Social and Cultural Organizations:

• Caste Associations: Many castes have social organizations that promote welfare, education, and cultural activities, helping to preserve caste identity.
• Marriage Practices: Endogamy is common, with matrimonial ads often specifying caste preferences.

Challenges in Eradication

Deep-Rooted Social Norms:

• Cultural Reinforcement: Caste is embedded in cultural practices and rituals passed down through generations.
• Social Stratification: The caste system fosters a sense of belonging, making it hard to break down these traditional structures.

Economic Dependencies:

• Patron-Client Relationships: In rural areas, traditional economic dependencies between caste groups (like landowners and laborers) sustain caste hierarchies.
• Resource Distribution: Access to resources often follows caste lines, reinforcing economic disparities.

Institutional and Structural Barriers:

• Education and Employment: Despite affirmative action, disparities in education and job opportunities reflect caste biases.
• Law Enforcement: The implementation of anti-discrimination laws is often weak, and incidents of caste-based violence and discrimination persist.

Potential Pathways to Mitigation

Educational Reforms

• Inclusive Curriculum: An education system that highlights equality and the negative impacts of caste can help shift attitudes.
• Access to Quality Education: Ensuring marginalized communities have access to quality education can empower them.

Economic Empowerment:

• Affirmative Action: Strengthening affirmative action in education and employment can uplift marginalized castes.
• Entrepreneurship and Skill Development: Promoting entrepreneurship and skill development programs for disadvantaged castes can reduce economic gaps.

Legal and Policy Measures:

• Effective Law Enforcement: Improving the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and ensuring prompt justice in cases of caste-based violence.
• Policy Reforms: Developing policies that address the needs of marginalized castes comprehensively.

Social Movements and Advocacy:

• Grassroots Movements: Supporting movements that advocate for caste equality and social justice.
• Inter-Caste Dialogues: Encouraging dialogues between different caste groups to foster understanding and dismantle biases.

Conclusion

The caste system in India, although changing, remains a strong social force. It is supported by new forms of identity and association that keep caste differences alive. To eliminate the caste system, a comprehensive approach is needed that tackles social, economic, and legal aspects while encouraging a cultural shift towards equality and inclusion. Although it is a tough task, gradual advancements through persistent efforts and reforms can lead to a fairer society.