The Narrative of Social Exclusion

The concept of social exclusion is an emerging area in academia in contemporary Indian scenario. Its presence can be traced in ancient era in Indian society existed in certain forms and functioned in different modes. But it appeared in discourse of colonialism when the first official census in 1871 took place. Thus, the concept of caste emerged as a strong institution to operate the society. The colonial enumerators felt the problems in identification and classification of data of census and classified according to social status, profession and occupation. They had their own vested interest in census: to empower the colonial rule by knowing the dominant and marginalized castes. Hence, the seed of inclusion-exclusion policy was shown and very technically the foreign concept of caste was introduced. Since concepts like 'varna' and 'jati' were already at function in ancient society, the caste did not sincerely absorbed the essence of those two indigenous institutions.Thus, the social exclusion perpetuated till date.

The tool of the social exclusion has been language. The language creates the discrimination and establishes power relation in society. The more powerful language dominates the marginalized ones. So does the dominant caste in society. Recognition of caste is for policy making that in turn generates the whole concept of inclusion and exclusion. For example- the exclusion category consists of dalits, OBC, adivasi, etc. Women are not identified as socially excluded category since they have their own established women studies centres for academic purpose. Adivasis are considered most excluded section of society since they are out of mainstream society. They own their own customs, practices, traditions, languages and autonomous administration. The affirmative action programmes initiated by the government do not address their problems.

The Other Backward Classes are the most deprived section of in contemporary society. They are hanging in between the upper castes and the Dalit. Data say the SC enjoy the maximum benefit of reservation compared with other categories. The major OBC chunk of society is directionless and deprived. There are divide among them- the land holders who are unwilling to reveal their identity and the landless. This discrimination against the OBC has to be erased at any  cost.

The debate on the social exclusion was the outcome of the one day Natioal Workshop on "Understanding Social Exclusion: Concepts and Context" held on 29 October 2010 at the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. The workshop was organized by recently established Department of Social Exclusion. Prof  Bhangya Bhukya is worth thanking for the entire intellectual exercise. Eminent panelists include Prof Gopal Guru, JNU, Prof Surinder S Jodhka, JNU, Prof Virginius Xaxa, Delhi School of Economics, Prof Kancha Ilaiah, Osmania University. The auditorium was packed throughout the day.