The 'annihilation of caste,' a powerful call by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, envisions a society free from the hierarchical, discriminatory, and oppressive structures of the caste system. While the Indian State has taken numerous proactive measures to dismantle caste-based discrimination and promote equality, the complete annihilation of caste remains a complex and distant goal.

Proactive Measures by the Indian State:

1. Constitutional Provisions: The Indian Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination on grounds of caste (Article 15), abolishes untouchability (Article 17), and guarantees equality before the law (Article 14). It also provides for affirmative action.
2. Affirmative Action (Reservations): The policy of reservations in education, public employment, and legislative bodies for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is a significant state intervention. It aims to address historical injustices, ensure representation, and facilitate upward social and economic mobility for marginalized communities.
3. Legislative Measures: Laws like the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, criminalize caste-based discrimination and atrocities, providing legal recourse for victims.
4. Socio-Economic Development Programs: Various schemes for education, housing, health, and economic empowerment specifically target SCs, STs, and OBCs, aiming to bridge the development gap and improve their living standards.
5. Land Reforms: Efforts to redistribute land and provide land titles to landless Dalits and tribals have been made, though with varying degrees of success.

Future of the Caste System in Light of These Measures: While these measures have had a significant impact, the complete annihilation of caste is far from realized. The future of the caste system appears to be one of transformation rather than outright disappearance.

• Reduced Overt Discrimination: Legal prohibitions and increased awareness have significantly reduced overt forms of untouchability and discrimination, especially in urban public spaces. However, subtle forms of discrimination persist.
• Political Empowerment: Reservations in politics have led to the emergence of Dalit and OBC political leaders and parties, giving these communities a voice and a share in power. Caste has become a crucial factor in electoral politics, leading to both empowerment and, at times, the reinforcement of caste identities for political mobilization.
• Upward Mobility: Reservations and educational opportunities have created a new middle class within SCs and OBCs, leading to significant individual and group mobility. This has challenged traditional hierarchies and stereotypes.
• Persistence of Caste Identity: Despite mobility, caste identity remains strong, particularly in matters of marriage (endogamy is still prevalent), social networks, and cultural practices. Caste associations and organizations continue to play a vital role in social and political life.
• New Forms of Casteism: Caste discrimination has adapted to modern contexts. While overt untouchability might decline, new forms of exclusion based on caste, such as residential segregation in urban areas or subtle biases in employment, have emerged.
• Economic Disparities: Despite progress, significant economic disparities between upper castes and marginalized castes persist, indicating that economic upliftment alone is not sufficient to dismantle the system.

In conclusion, the Indian State's proactive measures have been instrumental in challenging the traditional caste system, promoting social justice, and enabling significant upward mobility for many. However, caste is a deeply entrenched social institution, and its complete annihilation requires not just legal and economic changes but a fundamental transformation of societal attitudes, cultural practices, and individual mindsets. The future likely holds a caste system that is less overtly oppressive but continues to shape social relations, identities, and political dynamics in India, albeit in evolving forms.