Despite tremendous growth and achievements driven by technology and knowledge, India continues to struggle with deep rooted social divisions and inequalities, thanks to the vote-bank politics and the faulty economic policies pursued by those at the helm of affairs, said CPM politburo member Brinda Karat on Monday.
Social divisions be it of caste, community, gender region or language are strongly manifest across the country as many not only do believe in them but also use them for their political benefits. The rise in economic inequalities driven by the divisive policies is further widening the gaps.
On one hand, while there has been tremendous growth of technology and knowledge is much more easily available to open up possibilities at breakneck speed, on the other hand, the product of technological development and knowledge is being appropriated by only a few.
The pro-corporate economic policies are wreaking havoc on the lives of the majority while only a miniscule section reaps and enjoys all the fruits, she observed.
Inaugurating the 82nd birth anniversary celebrations of former Chief Minister late Nandini Satpathy and speaking on “Social division in India’s society”, the CPM leader also rued the fact that women continues to be deprived of their rights. For 14 years Women’s Reservation Bill is yet to be tabled in the Parliament which shows how the women are being treated in the country.
Caste system still runs very strong in the society and despite efforts, untouchability is widely prevalent. “We have to move away from the vote-bank politics and intensify social reforms movement if we want to achieve inclusive growth and true progress touching all sections of society,” Karat said.
Speaking on the occasion, AICC spokesperson and former minister Renuka Chowdhury sought to project the positive developments in the midst of the divisions that prevail in the society. Every election that the country faces brings about a reform that can provide solutions to the ills.
“Wittingly or unwittingly, the steps taken by the political class in the face of elections by launching schemes and programmes actually benefit the people”, she said.She said that today, the social milieu has begun to change aggressively due to advancement in technology and knowledge.
People are more aware of their rights and are taking conscious and informed decisions to rebel against the norms of an archaic society. The anger and united stand against issues like the Delhi gang-rape are instances of such positive changes in the society, she said. Karat and Chowdhury released a commemorative postcard on Nandini Satpathy, issued by India Post, on the occasion.
Editor of vernacular daily Dharitri Tathagat Satpathy also spoke.