Why is Article 246 in News? | Shubham Sagar | StudyIQ IAS English

Summary

In this video, Shoubam Saga discusses the significance of Article 246 of the Indian Constitution, specifically focusing on the caste census and its role in social governance. He highlights the Union government’s decision to conduct caste enumeration in the upcoming census, emphasizing the need for accurate data to address social inequalities and implement effective policies. The speaker critiques the current top-down approach and advocates for a data-driven, social management approach. He also touches upon the historical context of caste discrimination and the importance of updated data for meaningful affirmative action and policymaking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Article 246 of the Indian Constitution establishes that the Census is a Union subject, not a State subject.
• 😀 The last full caste enumeration took place in the 1931 Census, making the upcoming caste census crucial for current data.
• 😀 There is a debate around caste-based census, with concerns that it might perpetuate casteism, though the author argues it helps quantify and address existing inequalities.
• 😀 States like Bihar and Telangana already conduct caste-based surveys, which provide valuable data for understanding social inequalities.
• 😀 The main argument for caste enumeration is that it will enable data-driven policy-making, moving away from top-down approaches that often lack real data.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that caste enumeration is not about creating casteism but about understanding and addressing historical social discrimination.
• 😀 The caste census data can lead to better-targeted affirmative action, more effective welfare policies, and disaggregated budgeting.
• 😀 Caste enumeration is also seen as a tool for social emancipation, providing transparency and accountability in governance.
• 😀 Data from caste enumeration helps identify intra-caste inequalities, making it possible to address these issues more precisely.
• 😀 The speaker encourages viewers to share their perspectives on caste-based census and its potential impact, acknowledging differing opinions on the matter.

Q & A

What is Article 246 of the Indian Constitution about?

Article 246 of the Indian Constitution deals with the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and State governments. It also specifies the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List of subjects, with the Census being a Union subject under it.

Why is the caste enumeration in the census being discussed in the video?

The video discusses the caste enumeration in the census because the Indian government has decided to conduct a full caste-based census for the first time since 1931. This decision has sparked a debate about whether caste enumeration will exacerbate caste-based divisions or help address social inequities.

What is the difference between the 'top-down approach' and the 'data-driven approach' in social policymaking?

The 'top-down approach' refers to policymaking based on generalized assumptions or decisions made at the higher levels without sufficient data on the ground. In contrast, the 'data-driven approach' involves making decisions based on accurate and up-to-date data, allowing for more targeted and effective interventions.

Why is the 1931 census significant in the context of caste enumeration?

The 1931 census is significant because it was the last time that a full caste enumeration was conducted in India. Since then, caste data has been less comprehensive, and there is a growing call for updated, accurate caste-based data to address social issues more effectively.

How does the speaker view the argument that caste census could propagate casteism?

The speaker disagrees with the idea that caste census will propagate casteism. Instead, they argue that caste enumeration will provide essential data to understand and address caste-based social inequalities, viewing it as a tool for social equity, not division.

What examples from other countries does the speaker use to support caste-based data collection?

The speaker references countries like the United States, South Africa, and Brazil, where identity-based data collection has been used to combat social discrimination and promote more inclusive policies.

How do caste census data help address issues like manual scavenging?

Caste census data helps identify the specific caste groups involved in manual scavenging, a practice that is still ongoing despite being banned. Understanding the caste composition of manual scavengers allows for targeted policies to eradicate this practice and support the affected communities.

What is the significance of socio-economic data in addressing caste-based inequalities?

Socio-economic data, such as income levels and employment rates, provides a clearer picture of caste-based inequalities. For example, in states like Bihar and Telangana, caste-specific data has revealed disparities in income and access to resources, which can guide more focused welfare programs.

What is the main argument for conducting a caste census in India according to the speaker?

The main argument for conducting a caste census is to gather accurate data that reflects the socio-economic conditions of different caste groups. This data can inform policies aimed at addressing inequalities, particularly in areas like education, employment, and reservation.

What does the speaker say about the role of data in policymaking?

The speaker emphasizes that data is essential for effective policymaking. Without accurate data, policies remain speculative and based on assumptions. A caste census will provide the necessary data to move from a top-down approach to a data-driven, needs-based approach in social management.