The Constitution guarantees equality and non-discrimination. The goal was a casteless, egalitarian society. As Pandit Nehru stated on 13.6.1951:

“After all the whole purpose of the Constitution as proclaimed in the Directive principles is to move towards what I may say a casteless and classless society.”

Dr. Ambedkar noted in the Constituent Assembly on 25th November 1949:

“In India there are castes. The castes are anti-national... because they bring about separation in social life... they generate jealousy and antipathy between caste and caste.”

Current policies fragment society into 'Oppressed' and 'Oppressors,' fostering mistrust rather than national integration. Caste is being used as a permanent mark, contrary to the secular vision of the Constitution.

Using caste as the sole ground for backwardness is fallacious. Real-world examples show that members of ruling classes and wealthy families are often classified as 'backward' based solely on caste, failing to address actual economic deprivation.

Kaka Kalelkar and Shri Govind Ballabh Pant both emphasized that caste recognition perpetuates distinctions. Policies should focus on the poor and deserving based on economic/educational criteria, not caste.

We must shift from "Group Centric" to "Individual Centric" affirmative action. Pandit Nehru argued:

“...it is the backward individual citizen that we should help. Why should we brand groups and classes as backward and forward...”

Caste has become a political tool, leading to unreasonable inclusions in backward lists. This benefits the 'creamy layer' while fostering animosity and reducing incentives for overall excellence.