Why was the caste discrimination survey in IIT-Delhi commenced and subsequently withdrawn

The caste discrimination survey in IIT-Delhi was commenced to address the issue of caste-based discrimination on the campus. However, it was subsequently withdrawn due to several reasons, which can be summarized as follows:

• Controversial nature: The survey faced criticism for being controversial and sensitive. Some argued that it could potentially create unrest among students and perpetuate further discrimination.
• Privacy concerns: The survey required students to disclose their caste identities, which raised privacy concerns. Many students were hesitant to disclose such personal information, fearing stigmatization or preferential treatment based on their caste.
• Unrepresentative sample: It was pointed out that the survey might not accurately represent the whole institute. Due to the voluntary nature of participation, the data collected might not have been comprehensive enough to reflect the actual situation on campus.
• Ethical considerations: There were debates regarding the ethical implications of categorizing and documenting personal information based on caste. Critics expressed concerns about the potential misuse or mishandling of such sensitive data.
• Alternative methods: Some argued for alternative approaches, such as awareness campaigns, workshops, and counseling sessions, rather than relying solely on a survey to address caste-based discrimination.

Considering these factors, the decision was made to withdraw the caste discrimination survey in IIT-Delhi, and alternative measures were proposed to tackle the issue of discrimination on campus.