Volume VI Special Issue VI September 2026

Name of Author : Shaista Bhartiya

Title of the paper : Autonomy, Community Empowerment, and the Psychological Impact of the Caste System: The Role of Government in Promoting Social Inclusion

Abstract: India is internationally recognized for its cultural diversity, democratic governance, and constitutional commitment to equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity. Despite remarkable progress in economic development, education, and technological advancement, social inequalities rooted in historical structures continue to shape the lived experiences of millions of people. Among these structures, the caste system remains one of the most enduring forms of social stratification, influencing access to education, employment, healthcare, political participation, and social mobility. Although the Constitution of India abolished untouchability and prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, evidence suggests that caste based inequalities continue to persist in both overt and subtle forms, affecting not only socioeconomic opportunities but also psychological well being, identity formation, and community participation Ambedkar, 19362014 Deshpande, 2011.

Keywords : Community Empowerment, and the Psychological

DOI :

Page Number : 166-179