Narendra Jadhav: 'Caste Discrimination Has Undoubtedly Slowed Down India's Economic Growth'

On this special edition of News Track, India Today explores the complex and contentious issue of caste-based reservation. The discussion, part of the 'Candid, Constructive Conversations' platform, weighs historical compensation against modern-day efficacy. Economist and former MP Narendra Jadhav argues that caste discrimination is the primary reason for India's slowed economic growth over 2,000 years, stating, 'I believe that the caste discrimination has undoubtedly slowed down India's economic growth over a long period of time'. The debate also features author Dr Suraj Yengde, who questions the very concept of merit in a society structured by caste. Social activist Gaurav Jaiswal provides ground-level examples of reservation's positive impact, while advocate Siddharth Shankar Dubey discusses the policy's original, temporary intent. The programme delves into whether reservation has achieved its goals or if it perpetuates social divisions.