Caste Violence and Social Exclusion in India 2025

Caste-based violence and exclusion remain critical challenges in India despite constitutional safeguards. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals rising cases of crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Social hierarchies rooted in caste continue to deny dignity and opportunity to millions. This overview marks the current scenario and outlines key aspects of caste discrimination and responses.

Rising Incidence of Caste-Based Crimes

The NCRB reported 57,789 crimes against SCs in 2023, a slight increase from 2022. Cases against STs surged by 28.8%, reaching 12,960 in 2023. Violence ranges from physical assaults to social ostracism. Rural areas witness brutal punishments for defying caste norms. Urban discrimination affects housing, employment, and social mobility. These figures expose deep-rooted social prejudices and systemic failure to protect marginalised groups.

Historical and Constitutional Safeguards

India’s constitution guarantees equality and prohibits caste discrimination. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, was enacted to prevent and punish caste-based atrocities. Social reformers like B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Phule historically challenged caste hierarchies. Despite these measures, caste-based superiority beliefs persist, enabling violence and exclusion with impunity. The gap between law and societal practice remains wide.

Political and Ideological Challenges

The current political climate under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not effectively addressed caste violence. Symbolic inclusion efforts lack depth and fail to dismantle caste prejudice. Hindutva narratives often portray Dalit and Adivasi resistance as threats to cultural unity. Activists demanding justice face vilification and accusations of being Hinduphobic. This rhetoric suppresses legitimate demands and alienates marginalised communities from mainstream discourse.

Social Justice and Policy Implementation

Reservations in education and employment exist but suffer from inconsistent implementation. Social elites continue to dominate institutions, limiting upward mobility for marginalised groups. There is no comprehensive national campaign to combat caste prejudice or promote inter-caste fraternity. Instead, Brahmanical cultural narratives overshadow the struggles of Dalit and Adivasi communities. This ideological stance undermines the constitutional vision of equality.

Legacy of Resistance and Civil Society Role

Past movements like the Dalit Panthers and the Bahujan Samaj Party empowered marginalised communities politically and culturally. Dalit literature and Adivasi art affirm India’s pluralistic heritage. However, contemporary movements are fragmented and lack influence. Civil society’s response to caste atrocities has weakened. Judicial delays and low conviction rates hinder justice, with over 60% of cases under the Atrocities Act pending in courts.

Strategies for Addressing Caste Atrocities

A multi-pronged approach is essential. First, law enforcement must be strengthened with sensitisation and swift prosecution. Second, political leadership should promote egalitarian values through education and media. Third, civil society and cultural organisations must encourage dialogue to bridge caste divides. Fourth, affirmative action policies require transparent monitoring for effective delivery. Amplifying Dalit, Adivasi, and Bahujan voices is crucial to revive anti-caste movements and reinforce social justice.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the effectiveness of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in protecting marginalised communities in India.
2. Comment on the role of political ideologies in shaping caste-based social dynamics and their impact on social justice in contemporary India.
3. Explain the challenges faced by affirmative action policies in India and suggest measures to improve their implementation with suitable examples.
4. What are the historical contributions of Dalit and Adivasi social movements in India? How can their legacy be revitalised to address current caste-based inequalities?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the effectiveness of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in protecting marginalised communities in India.

1. Provides legal framework to prevent and punish caste-based atrocities against SCs and STs.
2. Despite the law, NCRB data shows rising cases of crimes against SCs and STs, indicating limited deterrence.
3. Enforcement challenges – delayed investigations, low conviction rates, and societal bias hinder justice delivery.
4. Over 60% of cases under the Act remain pending in courts, showing judicial backlog and inefficiency.
5. Acts as a symbolic safeguard but lacks robust implementation and political will for effective protection.
6. Need for sensitisation of police and judiciary to reduce prejudice and improve law enforcement.

2. Comment on the role of political ideologies in shaping caste-based social dynamics and their impact on social justice in contemporary India.

1. Hindutva narratives often frame Dalit and Adivasi resistance as threats, suppressing their demands for justice.
2. Political parties like BJP have not launched national campaigns to combat caste prejudice or promote inter-caste fraternity.
3. Symbolic inclusion gestures lack substantive action, maintaining caste hierarchies and elite dominance.
4. Brahmanical cultural narratives promoted by dominant political ideologies marginalise Dalit and Adivasi struggles.
5. Vilification of activists as Hinduphobic stifles legitimate dissent and social reform efforts.
6. Political ideology thus perpetuates social exclusion and undermines the constitutional vision of equality.

3. Explain the challenges faced by affirmative action policies in India and suggest measures to improve their implementation with suitable examples.

1. Reservations in education and employment exist but suffer from inconsistent and uneven implementation.
2. Social elites continue to dominate institutions, limiting access and benefits for marginalised groups.
3. Lack of transparent monitoring and accountability leads to misuse or underutilisation of quotas.
4. Examples – Dalits and Adivasis often face discrimination even within reserved spaces, reducing policy efficacy.
5. Measures – Strengthen monitoring mechanisms, ensure transparency, and enforce strict compliance in institutions.
6. Promote awareness and sensitisation programs to reduce discrimination and encourage inclusive environments.

4. What are the historical contributions of Dalit and Adivasi social movements in India? How can their legacy be revitalised to address current caste-based inequalities?

1. Movements like Dalit Panthers and Bahujan Samaj Party empowered marginalised communities politically and socially.
2. Dalit literature and Adivasi art enriched India’s pluralistic cultural heritage and asserted identity.
3. These movements challenged caste hierarchies and demanded rights, dignity, and political representation.
4. Currently, such movements are fragmented and lack influence to combat rising caste violence effectively.
5. Revival requires amplifying Dalit, Adivasi, and Bahujan voices through new leadership and platforms.
6. Encourage solidarity among marginalised groups, strengthen civil society engagement, and promote inclusive social justice agendas.