Dr. Ashok shared several experiences of caste discrimination during his police career. He claimed that despite his outstanding work, he was denied service medals, while officers with lesser qualifications received medals based on their caste and recommendations.
Dr. Ashok offered a unique suggestion to empower the weaker sections of society, saying that at least one member of every family should study law. He said, “Knowledge of law gives a person respect and reduces the fear of injustice. No one asks a lawyer’s caste; it’s their status.”
New Delhi – Dr. B.P. Ashok, a former senior officer of the Uttar Pradesh Police Service, social reformer, and founder of the ‘Caste Eradication Campaign,’ has said that true equality in the country can only be achieved when caste identification is completely eliminated. Describing the caste system as the biggest curse on society, he stressed the need for a “caste ban” law.
In a candid conversation on the “Power Talk with Sanjeev” podcast, Dr. Ashok discussed his resignation to the President in protest of the Supreme Court’s decision on the SC/ST Act in 2018, the injustices he faced during his service due to casteism, and the issues of caste discrimination prevalent in society.
Dr. Ashok recalled the 2018 incident when the Supreme Court, in a decision, weakened the provision for immediate arrest under the SC/ST Act and made investigation mandatory. Dr. Ashok was in the Training Department at the time. He explained, “This provision was made so that dominant classes could not oppress the weaker classes and force them into compromises. When this provision was abolished, there was anger among the Dalit and tribal communities across the country.”
He further said, “Peaceful protests were planned across the country on April 2nd, but some people resorted to violence. Violence broke out in districts like Meerut, Agra, and Aligarh, resulting in the death of 13 young people in police action. Hurt by this incident and demanding strengthening of the law, I submitted my resignation to the President.” However, despite the intervention of then-Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and assurances that the law would be reinstated within a month, his resignation was not accepted. Dr. Ashok said that Parliament reinstated the law on August 9, 2018.
Encountering Casteism During Service
Dr. Ashok shared several experiences of caste discrimination during his police career. He claimed that despite his outstanding work, he was not awarded service medals, while less qualified officers received medals based on their caste and recommendations. He said, “When it came to getting shot, I was at the forefront, but when it came to receiving medals, I was not.”
Regarding the recent suicide of IPS officer Puran Kumar, Dr. Ashok said the incident was shameful for both the police department and society. He said a strong individual like an IPS officer would only take such a step when their morale is repeatedly undermined. He demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. Citing the example of former IPS officer Prasad, he said Prasad returned with degrees after being suspended for 11-12 years. “Have willpower, don’t commit suicide.”
There should be a caste-banning law, just like demonetization.
Dr. Ashok stressed that a strict law is needed to end discrimination and atrocities based on caste. He said, “We should enact a ‘caste-banning’ law, just like demonetization. All traces of caste should be erased from people’s pockets, nameplates, homes, neighborhoods, and shops.”
He praised the order of Justice Vinod Diwakar of the Allahabad High Court, which directed a ban on writing caste-based names on vehicles and shops. Dr. Ashok believes that casteism cannot be eradicated until interview-free examinations and a caste-banning law are enacted. He said, “Increase inter-caste marriages and conduct interview-free recruitment. If the Mandal Commission had been implemented, democracy would have been strengthened. If OBCs had received a share, bullying would have stopped.”
Sharply criticizing the caste system, he said, “Even a 100-year-old Kshatriya is inferior to a Brahmin. The situation of women is even worse.” “Why should a Brahmin in Kashmir give a share to the SCs of Kerala?” He called reservations “share.” “If you don’t like reservations, then practice inter-caste marriages. The next generation will benefit.” Provide top-to-bottom reservations in the private sector, and a 5-10% tax exemption. “Conduct a caste census, and balance will be created.”
Family Background: A Legacy of Education and Struggle
Dr. Ashok was born in Siyana village (Laung Sarai) in Bulandshahr. His father, Dr. Devi Singh Ashok, is a retired IG who traveled from village to village, sending SC/ST children to school. He said, “My father removed the fear of chanting ‘Jai Bhim’. We celebrated Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary and wrote books. There was a tradition of education at home.”
Dr. Ashok himself earned a PhD and D.Litt. in Buddhist philosophy. His daughter is in the IRS, his son-in-law is also in the civil service, and his son is pursuing an IIT. He said, “Ambedkarism is our inspiration. Buddha, Phule, Savitribai, Ambedkar—these are our icons.” Be educated, fight, stay organized.” His village also boasts a 53-foot-high “Bahujan Kranti Stambh,” dedicated to the martyrs of April 2, 2018.
Dr. Ashok advised the youth to abandon superstition and fatalism for success and adopt a scientific mindset. “We waste 60 hours a year on superstition. China invests in R&D, we invest in gurus. 111 people commit suicide due to superstition. Buddha said to be guided by logic. Invest 25% of your surplus in savings; don’t borrow during festivals.”
He emphasized time management, STEM education (science, technology, engineering, math), English, internet usage, and financial literacy. He said that without these skills, progress is difficult in today’s times.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy: Hindi News