The RSS-BJP rift, rise in Indian asylum seekers, and a 'bid to muzzle press'
Sep 5, 2024
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Deeptiman Tiwary, a journalist, delves into the RSS's backing of the caste census, revealing tensions with the BJP. Jay Mazoomdar highlights a surge in undocumented Indians crossing into the US, with Canada emerging as a key transit route. Sohini Ghosh discusses a significant Delhi High Court ruling, critiquing the government's attempt to suppress press freedoms by canceling an old lease with Express Newspapers. The conversation uncovers critical social, political, and press freedom issues shaping contemporary India.
The RSS's support for a nationwide caste census aims to enhance targeted welfare programs without politicizing the data collected during elections.
A significant rise in undocumented Indians seeking asylum in the US highlights a shift towards Canada as a preferred entry route due to eased visa norms.
Deep dives
Revamped College Savings Options
The College Savings Iowa program has been rebranded as iSave529, expanding its scope beyond just college expenses. Funds saved can now be utilized for a wide range of educational expenses, including K-12 tuition, trade schools, graduate degrees, and necessary supplies, effectively broadening the investment in a child's education. This initiative not only empowers parents to save more flexibly but also encourages long-term educational goals, making it a versatile financial tool for families. A promotional opportunity includes a chance to win a $5,290 contribution by registering before September 30th.
Caste Census Support from the RSS
The RSS has expressed support for conducting a nationwide caste census, positioning it as a means to better target government welfare programs for disadvantaged communities. They emphasized that the data collected should primarily serve socio-economic purposes and avoid being politicized during elections. This stance reflects a recognition of the historical significance of caste in Indian society while aiming to focus on well-being and national unity, signaling a cautious approach to addressing caste related issues. The RSS's articulation aims to balance the demand for social equity against the sensitivities surrounding caste relations.
Changing Routes for Undocumented Migration
There has been a notable shift in the routes taken by undocumented Indians trying to enter the US, with an increasing number now crossing from Canada rather than Mexico. This change is attributed to relaxed visa norms in Canada allowing more Indian students to enter, who later opt to seek asylum in the US. In June alone, over 5,000 undocumented Indians reportedly crossed into the US from Canada, representing a drastic increase from previous years. Factors influencing this trend include a burgeoning Indian diaspora in North America and the relative ease of crossing the Canadian border compared to the risks posed on the southern route.
Foundational Learning Reforms in Education
Efforts to improve foundational literacy and numeracy in schools, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, reveal significant advancements through structured teaching methods. Initiatives like Mission Angkor aim to equip teachers with comprehensive guides and resources that streamline lesson planning and enhance lesson delivery. Early assessments indicate promising progress, such as a notable increase in children meeting reading fluency benchmarks from 15% in 2022 to 39% in 2024. These reforms underscore the importance of systematic approaches and ongoing teacher support in fostering positive learning outcomes for young students.
First, Indian Express’ Deeptiman Tiwary discusses the RSS's (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) support for the caste census and the significance of it acknowledging ongoing issues between the organization and the BJP.
Next, Indian Express’ Jay Mazoomdar explains the increase in undocumented Indians illegally entering the US and why Canada has become the preferred route for many of them (12:02).
And in the end, Indian Express’ Sohini Ghosh tells us about the Delhi High Court ruling that the Centre’s decision to terminate its lease deed with Express Newspapers nearly 40 years ago was “arbitrary” “mala fide”, and “nothing but an attempt by the then Government to muzzle the press and dry up its source of income” (21:44).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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On the occasion of Teacher's Day, The Indian Express in association with Central Square Foundation is here with a special segment at the end of this episode of 3 Things. In this part of the episode, Niharika Nanda will be in conversation with Ujjawala Meshram, a primary-grade school teacher from Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh and Vinod Karate, Project Director, for Foundational Learning Reforms, at CSF. The discussion will focus on the importance of Foundational Learning in a child’s onward learning journey and future opportunities later on in life (27:12).
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