Cabinet clears caste enumeration in Next Census

Context

Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census.

About Caste census

A Caste Census refers to the process of collecting data on the caste identities of the population in a country, typically through an official government survey. In India, this is a particularly significant and often contentious issue due to the complex and deeply rooted caste system that influences social, economic, and political life.

Key Points about the Caste Census in India:

1. Historical Background

The last comprehensive caste census in India was conducted in 1931 during British rule. After independence, caste data (other than for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) was not collected in regular population censuses.
Post-independence censuses, including the 2011 Census, recorded only SC and ST data, omitting OBC and other caste categories.

2. Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011

Conducted alongside the 2011 Census, SECC aimed to collect data on socio-economic status and caste.
It included information on rural and urban households, covering income, occupation, and education, along with caste.
However, caste data from SECC was never fully released, citing issues with data quality and reliability.

3. Recent Developments

In 2021, the Indian government stated in Parliament that it would not include caste (other than SC/ST) in the 2021 Census.
In 2022–2023, the Bihar government conducted its own caste-based survey, releasing data in 2023. This revealed, for example, that OBCs and EBCs (Economically Backward Classes) make up over 60% of the state's population.
This has triggered calls for similar surveys in other states and reignited debates over reservation policies and social justice.

5. Arguments For and Against

Pros:

· Enables timely updates to data, enhancing the targeting efficiency of welfare schemes.

· Strengthens evidence-based policymaking by providing accurate and current demographic insights.

· Can improve the effectiveness of affirmative action by aligning policies with present-day caste demographics.

Cons:

· May reinforce caste identities and deepen existing social divisions.

· Carries the risk of data being misused for political gains or to incite communal tensions.

· Involves significant administrative and logistical challenges in implementation.

Constitutional basis of Census in India

Population census is listed in Seventh schedule, Union List (entry 69) in the Constitution of India.
Census is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.

Conclusion

The Union Cabinet's approval for caste enumeration in the upcoming Census is a landmark decision with far-reaching implications. It underscores the importance of accurate demographic data in shaping inclusive policies and addressing the needs of marginalized communities.