The Law & Development Committee of St. Joseph’s College of Law in collaboration with Bengaluru Collective organised a talk on Social Justice in the Context of Socio-Economic Census on 08th February 2024 at 4PM in the A V Room. The Speakers were Prof. Satish Deshpande, Prof. M N Srinivasan Chair Professor at the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bangalore.

Chairperson: Dr. Awanish Kumar, School of Development, Azim Premji University, Bangalore.
Prof. Satish Deshpande, a renowned scholar holding the Prof. M N Srinivasan Chair Professorship at ISEC, Bangalore, has made significant contributions to the understanding of social issues in India. His expertise in social and economic dynamics provided valuable insights into the topic.

Dr. Awanish Kumar, from the School of Development at Azim Premji University, chaired the session, adding an academic and developmental perspective to the discourse.

Objective of the Talk:
The central theme of the talk was to explore the potential impact of a caste census on achieving social justice in India. Prof. Deshpande argued that the demand for a "caste census" has gained momentum within the movement for social justice, considering the entrenched nature of caste in Indian society.

Key Points Raised:
Historical Context: Prof. Deshpande highlighted the surprising delay in recognizing the need for a socioeconomic census, considering the fundamental role of caste in Indian social reality.

Political Demand: The talk discussed the recent political momentum behind the demand for a caste census and emphasized the entrenched interests that delayed its acknowledgment.

Equitable Distribution: The justification for a socioeconomic census was presented as a means to ensure the equitable distribution of legal entitlements, including reservations, to those in dire need.

Data Mobilization: The wealth of data generated through such surveys was emphasized as a basis for social and political mobilization, addressing historical wrongs and promoting informed policy-making.

Q & A Session:
The talk was followed by a lively Q&A session, where participants engaged with Prof. Deshpande, seeking clarifications and offering perspectives on the implications of a caste census on social justice.

Conclusion:
Prof. Satish Deshpande's talk provided a thought-provoking exploration of the potential impact of a caste census on achieving social justice in India. The event, well-attended by 80 participants, showcased the relevance and urgency of addressing the issue, and the subsequent Q&A session facilitated a robust exchange of ideas.