Final answer:
The caste system has not held back the upper castes in India's economic sphere, as urban centers and merit-based hiring have allowed for more opportunity and mobility, despite the system's deep-rooted presence, especially in rural areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement suggests that despite the persistence of the caste system in Indian society, it has not prevented the upper castes from progressing in the economic sphere. This inferred conclusion can be drawn from the fact that even though the caste system is deeply rooted, especially in rural areas, it does not uniformly restrict economic advancement, as seen in urban centers where merit-based hiring and less rigid social structures allow for more mobility and opportunity. Additionally, the introduction of affirmative action plans for Dalits and other historically disadvantaged groups has aimed to mitigate the system's effect, although the reality for many at the lower rungs of the societal hierarchy is still challenging, with opportunities that the upper castes take for granted often remaining out of reach.