Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.

Use it to argue that the uneven reach of affirmative action is partly a data problem, which Census 2027 caste data could address if classified credibly.

• Census 2027 will count all castes for the first time since 1931; SECC 2011 caste data, with over 46 lakh distinct names, was never released.
• Caste data can inform OBC sub-categorisation, the subject of the Rohini Commission under Article 340, and test the 50% ceiling set in Indra Sawhney (1992).
• Better data can improve targeting of welfare and the creamy layer, but matching names to differing Central and State OBC lists is a key hurdle.

Use Article 17 and its enforcing laws to show that strong legal safeguards exist but their application depends on intent and proof, limiting their reach.

• Article 17 abolishes untouchability 'in any form' but the term is undefined; the Protection of Civil Rights Act (renamed 1976) punishes insult 'on the ground of untouchability' under Section 7(1)(d).
• Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 punishes intentional insult in public view, but Hitesh Verma (2020) requires a caste link.
• Enforcement gaps need prompt registration and investigation of complaints, awareness drives and stronger social welfare machinery under the PCR Act.