The recently released caste survey data by the Bihar government has once again brought the issue of caste census to the forefront. While the Census of India has been publishing data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, there has been no estimate for the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other groups.

Census and Socio Economic and Caste census (SECC)

• Census in India:
  • Theorigin of the Census in India dates back to the colonial exercise of 
  • Census is used by the government, policymakers, academics, and others to capture the Indian population, access resources, map social change, and conduct delimitation
    • However, it has been criticized as a blunt instrument unsuited for specialized inquiry.
  • SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census):
    • SECCwas first conducted in 1931 which aimed to collect information on the economic status of Indian families, both in rural and urban areas, to identify indicators of deprivation.
    • It also collects data on specific caste names to evaluate the economic conditionsof different caste groups.
  • Difference Between Census & SECC:
    • Census provides a general portrait of the Indian population, while SECC is used to identify beneficiaries of state support.
    • Census data is confidential under theCensus Act of 1948, while personal information in SECC is open for use by government departments to grant or restrict benefits to households.
  • The History of Caste-based Data Collection in India:
    • Caste-based data collection has a long history in India, with information on castes being included upto 1931.
    • Post 1951, the decision to stop collecting caste data was madeto move away from a divisive approach and promote national unity.
    • However, with changing socio-political dynamics and the need for accurate information, there has been a renewed call for a caste census.

Significance of Caste Census

• To Address Social Inequality:
  • Caste-based discrimination is still prevalent in many parts of India. A caste census can help identify the disadvantaged groups and bring them to the forefront of policy making.
  • By understanding the distribution of different caste groups, targeted policies can be implemented to address social inequality and uplift marginalized communities.
• To Ensure Equitable Distribution of Resources:
  • Without accurate data on the population of OBCs and other groups, it is difficult to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
  • A caste census can help in this regard by providinginsights into the socio-economic conditions and needs of different caste groups.
  • It can guide policymakers in formulating policies that cater to the specific requirements of each group, thereby promoting inclusive development.
• To Monitor the Effectiveness of Affirmative Action Policies:
  • Affirmative action policies such as reservations for OBCs and other groups are aimed at promoting social justice. However, without proper data on the population, it becomes challenging to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of these policies.
  • A caste census can help monitor the implementation and outcomes of such policies, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions regarding their continuation and modification.
• To Provide a Comprehensive Picture of Indian Society:
  • Caste is an integral part of Indian society, influencing social relationships, economic opportunities, and political dynamics.
  • A caste census can provide a comprehensive picture of the diversity of Indian society,shedding light on the social fabric and interplay between different caste groups.
    • This data can contribute to a better understanding of social dynamics.
  • Constitutional Mandate:
    • Our Constitution too favours conducting a caste census. Article 340 mandates the appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by governments.

Arguments against Caste Census

• Reinforces the Caste System:
  • Opponents of a caste census argue that caste-based discrimination is illegaland that a caste census would only reinforce the caste system.
  • They believe that focusing on individual rights and equal opportunities for all citizens should be prioritized over categorizing people based on their caste identities.
• Difficult to Define Castes:
  • Defining castes is a complex issue, as there are thousands of castes and sub-castes in India. A caste census would require a clear definition of castes,which is not an easy task.
  • Critics argue that this could lead to confusion, disputes, and further divisions within society.
• Leads to Further Social Divisions:
  • Some argue that a caste census could lead to further social divisions and that it is better to focus on promoting social harmony instead.
  • They believe that emphasizing commonalities among people rather than highlighting differences would be more beneficial for national integration.

Government''s Stand on a Caste Census

• The Government of India in 2021 had stated in Lok Sabhathat it has decided as a matter of policy not to enumerate caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census.

Role of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)

• The SECC conducted in 2011was an attempt to collect comprehensive data on socio-economic indicators along with caste information.
• However, due to concerns over data quality and classification challenges, theraw caste data collected in the SECC has not yet been released or utilized effectively.
• An Expert Group was formed to classify and categorize the raw data, but its recommendations are still pending implementation.

Road ahead

• Independent studies at district and state levelcan be conducted to acquire the data of castes and subcastes at those levels.
• The data must not become a weapon for deepening faultlines and increasing polarisation to win elections. It should not lead to the splintering and shrinking of the very notion of representation in a large and diverse democracy.
• Use of technologies such as Artificial intelligence and machine learningcan help in analyzing data.
• Subcategorization of OBCsto provide representation to underrepresented subcastes of OBCs for which Justice Rohini commission had recently submitted the report.

While there are arguments for and against a caste census, accurate data on the population of OBCs and other groups is necessary for promoting social justice and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. A caste census can also help monitor the effectiveness of affirmative action policies and provide a comprehensive picture of Indian society. It is crucial for policymakers to carefully consider the arguments of both the sides to provide for a more equitable and just society.