Caste Census Set To Become Reality

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has approved caste enumeration census as part of the upcoming Population Census, reversing its 2021 stance.

New Announcement: Caste in Next Census

Govt to include caste in upcoming Census.
Transparent, structured questionnaire to be used.
Like Bihar’s 17-column caste survey form.
Data on OBC sub-castes, minorities too.
Helps identify who’s dominant or marginalized.

About Census

Definition: The Census is a decennial, nationwide population survey that collects demographic, economic, and social data.
Historical Origin: It has been conducted regularly since 1872, with the first complete Census held that year under British rule.
Administrative Authority Post-Independence: Post-Independence, the Census is conducted by the Registrar General of India under the Census Act of 1948.
Census Record Since Independence: Since independence, the Indian government has conducted 15 censuses, with the last one in 2011.
2021 Census Status: The Census scheduled for 2021 was postponed due to COVID-19 and is yet to be conducted.
Legal Framework: All censuses since 1951 have been conducted under the Census of India Act, 1948.
Constitutional Status: Census is a Union subject (Entry 69, Union List, Schedule VII) under Article 246 of the Indian Constitution.

Historical Context

Colonial-Era Baseline: The last caste-based census was conducted in 1931 under British rule.
Unpublished Attempt: SECC 2011 attempted to collect caste data, but results were not released due to data inconsistencies.
Current Data Gaps: Current censuses only include Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), excluding Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other marginalised groups.

Benefits of Caste Census

Data-Driven Insight: Enables accurate assessment of socio-economic conditions, education, employment, healthcare, and disparities across castes.
Targeted Policy-Making: Facilitates targeted welfare schemes and efficient allocation of resources.
Measuring Policy Impact: Offers a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of reservation and affirmative action policies.
Empowering the Marginalised: Helps recognise and give visibility to historically marginalised communities.
Strengthening Democracy: Strengthens democratic participation and enhances representation in public institutions.
Acknowledging Reality: Acknowledges the realities of caste-based inequality that persist in India.

Constitutional Values

Alignment with Ideals: Aligns with India’s constitutional commitment to justice, equality, fraternity, and inclusive development.
Fact-Based Governance: Shifts governance from assumptions to facts, and exclusion to empowerment.

Challenges and Risks that Need to Be Tackled

Execution Complexity: Requires meticulous planning, transparency, and sensitivity to avoid errors.
Potential for Misuse: Risks include potential politicisation and misuse of caste data.
Data Integrity Crucial: Ensuring data authenticity and ethical handling is essential for the census to succeed in its objectives.

Conclusion

The inclusion of caste in the national census is a transformative step towards evidence-based governance, aiming to empower marginalised communities and uphold the constitutional vision of equality and social justice.

Mains Practice

Q. Critically analyse the political, constitutional and social implications of a nationwide caste census in India. Should it be seen as an instrument of social justice or political strategy? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Also Read
UPSC Daily Editorials	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store	UPSC Test Series
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store	Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store