Caste Census

CASTE CENSUS

Syllabus: GS-1: Population and Associated Issues.

Tags: #Census #Caste Census #Socio-Economic and Caste Census #Population #Social-Issues

Why in The News?

• Andhra Pradesh to launch caste census on a Pilot basis.
• The recent release of the Caste Survey results in Bihar.

Understanding Census, Caste Census, and Caste Survey

Time Line of Caste Census in India

Government’s Stand on Caste Census

In September 2021, the central government categorically rejected the idea of conducting a Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), citing it as impractical, administratively challenging, and cumbersome. The current government’s stance on this matter includes the following points:

1. Data Not Deemed Useful: The government argued that historical caste census data, even predating independence, had witnessed a decline in terms of accuracy and completeness over time. The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data was specifically criticized as being “unusable” for official purposes due to various technical defects.
2. Administrative Challenges: The government contends that it is too late to incorporate caste enumeration in Census 2021. Planning and preparations for the census began approximately four years ago, and the preparations for Census 2021 are already nearing completion.
3. Not a Reliable Policy Tool: Citing concerns about the fundamental integrity of the census, the government stated that caste-based enumeration was discontinued as a policy decision from 1951 onward. The rationale provided is that a population census might not be a fool proof tool, as individuals may choose not to register their caste, potentially compromising the census’s accuracy.

What is SECC?    

It functions as a tool to identify recipients of state assistance.

The SECC website explicitly states that all personal information submitted is open for government agencies to utilize, either for providing or restricting benefits to families.

This elucidation highlights the government’s reservations about a caste census, emphasizing concerns about data usability, administrative feasibility, and the reliability of caste enumeration within the broader context of national population data.

Advantages of Caste Census

1. Beneficial in Policy Making: Provides exhaustive data for informed policy formulation.
2. Rationalization of Reservation: Helps identify beneficiaries and adjust reservation policies.
3. Better Targeting of Government Schemes: Enables precise targeting of marginalized sections for welfare programs.
4. Addressing Inequalities: Essential for addressing wealth, resource, and education disparities.
5. Fulfilment of Constitutional Mandate: Aligns with Article 340, urging an investigation into socially and educationally backward classes.
6. Supports Commission Objectives: Essential for commissions like the Sachar Committee and Justice Rohini Commission.

Disadvantages of Caste Census

1. Caste-based Political Mobilization: Risks political exploitation for narrow gains.
2. Hardening of Caste Identities: May reinforce and perpetuate caste identities.
3. Strengthening Reservation Demands: Could intensify calls for larger or separate quotas.
4. Challenges in Data Collection: Enumerating castes is complex due to variations across states.
5. Potential Stigmatization: Disclosure of caste identities may lead to discrimination.

The Way Forward

1. Sub-categorization of Backward Classes: Consider sub-classifying backward classes for more targeted benefits.
2. Use of Technologies: Employ AI and machine learning to analyse SECC data effectively.
3. Preliminary Census: Conduct a preliminary socio-anthropological study at the state and district levels.
4. Gradual Elimination of Castes: Focus on uplifting socio-economically marginalized sections to eliminate castes gradually.

Conclusion

While the debate on caste census continues, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential benefits in policy-making, social justice, and addressing inequalities. Balancing these advantages with the risk of political mobilization and identity hardening is essential for a comprehensive and informed decision-making process. Ultimately, the goal should be to move towards a casteless society while addressing existing inequities through data-driven policies.