Social Engineering in Lakshadweep

A peaceful, predominantly non-Hindu, Muslim population in Lakshadweep pose a threat to right wing establishments who gain popularity by othering and demonising the Muslims. Lakshadweep had rarely been in news at all, especially in the national level. Now we hear about Lakshadweep from every media – all for the wrong reasons. The islanders are up in arms against their new Administrator.

Social engineering, as a campaign strategy, in itself is not bad. But it raises its ugly head when it’s done with discriminatory and biased objectives.

New Administrator of Lakshadweep, Praful Khoda Patel, appointed by the BJP Government has introduced new laws that are drastic; and more of such laws are in the pipeline. Looking at the demography of Lakshadweep and the new laws that are introduced, there is less doubt that the ruling right wing establishment of India is doing a social engineering in Lakshadweep. Social engineering is execution of the theory that introduction of new laws can shape and form the society and regulate the people's behaviour in a particular way. Social engineering is controlling the behaviour and lifestyle of a particular society through the help of Law.

Lakshadweep residents’ food habits are challenged and changed by the ban on killing of animals and the consumption, storage, transport or sale of cattle. Another rule is that none who has more than two kids can contest gram panchayat elections. There are a couple more of such severe rules like, the Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation; and the detention law.

In the past there have been radical social engineering operations in countries with authoritarian governments. In early 1920s Soviet Union did a social engineering to alter the ideal of its citizens. They wanted a change from the mindset as Russian Empire to Soviet Union. The Soviets used newspapers, books, films, mass relocations, and even architectural-design to persuade people to change personal values and private lives. After Nazi Germany was established, the new government also made use of laws and methods to influence political positions and redefine personal values. The propaganda machinery was an effective tool for shaping public opinion.

Lakshadweep crisis

Social engineering, as a campaign strategy, in itself is not bad. But it raises its ugly head when it’s done with discriminatory and biased objectives. In the case of Lakshadweep, the administrator and the bunch speak of a utopian social engineering, aiming at Lakshadweep’s greatest ultimate good, but the islanders and socio-political critics see Hindutva and corporate agenda at the heart of this social engineering.

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