Towards an Inclusive Society

In this chapter, Towards an Inclusive Society, examines the persistence of inequalities within already marginalised groups in India, focusing on intra-Dalit disparities at the subcaste level. Drawing on empirical evidence from a village-based study in Uttar Pradesh, the chapter demonstrates that affirmative action and social reforms have not fully neutralised intra-group stratification. It integrates sociological perspectives, legal debates, and policy analysis to highlight the challenges of addressing heterogeneity within the Scheduled Castes. Key issues explored include the need for subcaste-sensitive policy interventions, judicial and administrative recognition of internal disparities, and the role of comprehensive caste-based data collection for evidence-informed planning. Drawing from the principle of leave no one behind and enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, the chapter argues that genuine inclusiveness requires attention to the most marginalised among the marginalised, ensuring that social justice initiatives leave no one behind.