Caste Based Census in India

Caste Based Census in India: Caste based tabulation of India’s population is included in the every-ten years census process. Every census conducted in India between 1951 and 2011 included information on the population of Dalits and Adivasis, also known as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as well as information on their religions, languages, socioeconomic position, and other factors. However, it has never included OBCs, the lower and middle castes that makeup around 52% of the population of the nation. The general category is specified for all castes other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

In June 2011, India’s Ministry of Rural Development began the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 by conducting a thorough door-to-door count throughout the whole nation. It has never been done before in both rural and urban India, so extensive an exercise. Additionally, it is anticipated to produce data on a wide range of social and economic variables about homes across the nation. The Bihar Cabinet recently gave its approval to a proposal to conduct a caste based “count” in the State. 

About Caste Based Census

Caste based census refers to the collection of demographic data that includes information about the caste or social group of individuals within a population. In some countries, especially in South Asia, caste has been a historically significant social category, influencing social and economic structures. A caste based census aims to gather information about the distribution and composition of different castes within the population.

The Union government denied conducting a Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) in an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, claiming that a caste census was impossible, “administratively difficult, and cumbersome” (apart from that conducted traditionally for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes). The affidavit was submitted in response to a writ case filed by the Maharashtra government asking the Union government to give instructions on how to gather information during the 2021 census on the Backward Class of Citizens (BCC) of rural India. Additionally, the appeal demanded that the Center make public the raw caste information on OBCs that was gathered during SECC-2011.

Objectives of Caste Based Census in India

Below are the Objectives of Caste Based Census in India:

• To make it possible to rank homes according to their socioeconomic standing. Then, state governments can compile a list of households that are below the poverty level.
• To make reliable information available so that the nation’s population can be counted caste-by-caste.
• To disseminate accurate information on the socioeconomic standing, educational attainment, and position of various castes and segments of the people.

Importance of Caste Based Census in India

Here are the points of Importance of Caste Based Census in India:

• Since there is no current caste census data, the 2021 welfare policy formulation will be based on the caste estimations from 1931. A caste census is likely to present policymakers with new and updated data.
• Caste censuses would highlight the vast array of problems that any democratic nation needs to address. For example, the results of this census will include information on caste based marginalization, poverty, the kind of employment that each caste pursues, etc.
  A caste census would provide accurate data on various castes’ socioeconomic standing and educational attainment.
• Government aid programs will be more effectively targeted. Indian courts have frequently stressed the importance of having sufficient information regarding the reserve. Thus, the caste census is nothing more than the gathering of information required for the formulation of any democratic policy.
• Between 1999 and 2007, the NSSO (National Sample Survey Organization) polls produced various estimates, ranging from roughly 36% to 45% for OBCs.
• Indian courts have frequently emphasized the need for accurate reserve data. Given that courts look for “quantifiable facts” to support the current levels of reservation, it might also be a requirement under the law.

 Advantages of Caste Based Census in India

Caste Based Census has many advantages. These advantages are given below:

• Encourages Making Rational Decisions: Policymakers will be able to create better policies and implementation plans thanks to a caste census, which would produce thorough data. It will also permit more reasoned discussion on delicate topics.
• Rationale behind the reservation policy: A caste census, according to some supporters, will also give reservation planners a more precise sense of the affirmative action that is required. While this information is now accessible for the SC and ST populations, it is largely believed that the OBC population is 52%, as indicated by the Mandal Commission. In order to investigate the sub-categorization of OBC communities, the Justice Rohini committee was established in 2017. However, without data, there can be no data bank or appropriate sub-categorization. 
• Encourages Democratic Policy-making: Those who support its inclusion think that the activity will benefit the poor and aid in the development of more effective and targeted welfare programs nationwide. A caste census will raise a lot of issues that every democratic nation should take into consideration. For example, the results of this census will include information on caste based marginalization, poverty, the kind of employment that each caste pursues, etc. It will facilitate improved policy-making.
• Bringing down the caste barrier: There is however a sizable corpus of academic research by historians, political scientists, and sociologists that rejects the welfare defence and claims that India’s failure to conduct a caste census was its primary error in the fight against caste. These academics contend that official caste blindness in a casteist society leads to a denial of the network of benefits based on caste that continue to favour those at the top of the caste system. The upper castes, the SCs or the OBCs, are said to appear “caste-less,” despite the fact that the word “caste” itself has come to be linked with the “lower castes,” the OBCs or SCs.
• Legislative Purpose: A commission must be established in accordance with Article 340 in order to look into the circumstances of the socially and educationally underprivileged classes and recommend any actions that governments should take.

Disadvantages of Caste Based Census in India

Along with the advantages, there are also a number of disadvantages of Caste Based Census in India:

• Possibly dividing: Caste based division will result from the caste census. A caste census would simply perpetuate the idea of caste, which India is trying to do rid of and undermine.
• Operational challenges and practicality: The population census is not the best tool for gathering information about caste. Caste, according to some groups of people, is a significant source of privilege and benefit in our nation. However, some groups of people feel hurt when caste based information is made public.
• Validity of the information given: Respondents may lie about their jati (or sub-caste) or their material goods because a caste census will be used to determine future reservations and welfare benefits. Enumerators may also be strongly motivated to portray their neighborhood as particularly impoverished. There may be efforts to increase one caste group’s population at the detriment of others in areas where that group is predominate. According to statistics, “non-sampling errors” are probably fairly prevalent.
• Politics-driven distortions: Castes now playing a crucial role in politics, it is impossible to rule out organised and convert motivated returns. Such motivated returns have a significant impact on the census findings and possibly jeopardize the process.
• Competition for state favors: A census is likely to be rejected or corrupted if it is perceived largely as a social group competition for governmental favor, according to the history of ethnic counts.
• Misrepresentation: Without addressing the basic issue of misrepresentation, conducting a caste census will produce erroneous results. Social groups that were offended by the data would then contest it, possibly leading to protracted legal disputes. It is not contested that people who need welfare and reservation benefits the greatest should receive them. Implementing this concept is the difficult part. No Indian politician or administrator has been able to solve the issue infallibly, regardless of where they are in the nation.

Challenges of Caste Based Census in India

The challenges which are faced by Caste Based Census in India are given as follows:

• Only a minority of those who are eligible for reservations will be catered to. Furthermore, there is substantial disagreement over the claim that India’s reservation policy inevitably contributed to the rise of elite castes and communities. Therefore, the caste census and reservation may favour caste elites.
• Caste division will result from the census of castes. A caste census would simply perpetuate the idea of caste, which India is trying to eradicate and undermine.
• Without a doubt, gathering caste-related data is difficult. Caste, according to some groups of people, is a significant source of privilege and benefit in our nation. However, some groups of people feel hurt when caste based information is made public. Caste identifying and counting are therefore challenging tasks in India. For instance, various states spell the same caste differently.
• Caste based reservations may cause discontent among some groups and give rise to requests for higher or different quotas. More such demands could result from the caste census in the future.

Impact of Caste Based Census in India

1. Addressing Social Inequalities

Supporters argue that a caste based census can provide a more accurate picture of the social and economic disparities across different caste groups. This data, they believe, is essential for designing targeted policies and affirmative action programs to uplift marginalized communities. Critics contend that a focus on caste perpetuates divisions and might not be the most effective way to address contemporary social and economic challenges. They suggest that policies should be based on economic criteria rather than caste identity.

2. Resource Allocation

Advocates argue that a caste based census can aid in better resource allocation by identifying regions and communities that require specific attention. This targeted approach, they believe, can help in reducing regional and social disparities. Critics express concerns about the practicality of implementing such targeted policies. They worry about the potential misuse or politicization of caste data, leading to inefficient resource allocation.

3. Impact on Politics

Some argue that a caste based census can empower historically marginalized communities by giving them a stronger political voice. This could lead to more inclusive political representation and policies that address the specific needs of different castes. Others caution against the politicization of caste data, expressing concerns that it might lead to vote bank politics and the reinforcement of caste identities, rather than fostering a more inclusive society.

4. Data Accuracy and Privacy

Supporters emphasize the importance of accurate data for evidence-based policymaking. They believe that a caste based census, if conducted with privacy safeguards, can provide valuable insights into social dynamics. Critics highlight the challenges of accurately categorizing individuals into specific castes. They also express concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive caste-related information and the violation of privacy.

5. Impact on Social Harmony

Some argue that acknowledging and understanding caste disparities is essential for social justice and harmony. They believe that a caste based census can contribute to creating awareness and fostering dialogue on these issues. Others fear that focusing on caste might perpetuate social divisions and hinder efforts to promote a more united and harmonious society. They emphasize the need for inclusive policies that consider economic and social indicators rather than caste alone.

Conclusion – Caste Based Census in India

Since then, India’s population has tripled, reaching 1.21 billion in 2011. According to experts, the economic standing of the major OBC castes has improved over the past 80 years, but not for all castes. Therefore, a new caste census is necessary to assess the economic and social standing of each caste. However, a caste census with invalid data would be considerably worse. Caste census results have never been universally accepted, most likely as a result of opposition from various parties with a stake in the outcome. The government ought to place greater emphasis on issues like economic disparity, education, and health, etc.

FAQs on Caste Based Census in India

1. What is a caste based census?

A caste based census involves collecting demographic data specifically focused on the various caste groups within the population, aiming to understand the social composition and distribution.

2. Why is a caste based census conducted in India?

India conducts a caste based census to gather detailed information on social and economic disparities among different caste groups. The data is used for formulating targeted policies and affirmative action programs to address historical injustices and uplift marginalized communities.

3. What is the historical background of the caste census in India?

The first caste census in India was conducted in 1871 during British rule. Subsequent censuses provided information on caste demographics until the practice was discontinued in 1931. The idea of reintroducing a caste based census has been a subject of contemporary debate.

4. How does the caste based census impact socio-economic policies in India?

The data from a caste based census influences the formulation of socio-economic policies by helping identify specific regions and communities that need targeted interventions. It plays a crucial role in the implementation of affirmative action and welfare programs.

5. What are the arguments for and against conducting a caste based census?

Proponents argue that it provides accurate insights into social disparities, enabling effective policy design. Opponents express concerns about potential divisions, politicization, and the challenge of accurately categorizing individuals.

6. Has India conducted a caste based census before, and what were the outcomes?

Yes, India conducted caste based censuses in the past, revealing the social composition of the population. However, the outcomes and impact varied, and the practice was discontinued after 1931, with subsequent censuses focusing on socio-economic indicators rather than caste demographics.