Recently the Union Cabinet approved caste enumeration during the next Census for the first time since Independence.

What is the Census?

• The Census is a decennial, nationwide population survey that collects demographic, economic, and social data.
• It has been conducted regularly since 1872, with the first complete Census held that year under British rule.
• Post-Independence, it is conducted by the Registrar General of India under the Census Act of 1948.
• After independence, the Indian government has conducted 15 censuses, with the last one in 2011.
• The Census scheduled for 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is yet to be conducted.

What is a Caste Census?

• A caste census involves collecting data on the caste identity of citizens during population enumeration.
• The last caste-wise Census was in 1931 under British rule.
• The upcoming Census will be digital and split into two phases, with caste data collection expected in the second phase.
• The Census will use a mobile application with a drop-down caste directory to avoid data duplication and inconsistencies.
  • Currently there are about 2,650 OBC communities in the Central list, 1,170 in the SC category, and 890 communities in the ST list.
  • The State governments maintain their own list of OBC groups.
• A pre-test of the new software and data collection mechanism will be conducted to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Around 30 lakh officials will need to be retrained for the digital caste enumeration process.

Demand for Caste Census 

• Political Push: The demand for a caste census has long been voiced by parties with significant OBC support, including the RJD, SP, DMK, and JDU.
  • These parties argue that accurate data are necessary for equitable representation and targeted social welfare policies.
  • The Congress party, after years of ambiguity, also supported the caste census ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
• Institutional Advocacy: The National Commission for Backward Classes has urged the inclusion of OBC data in the Census since 2021.
• Judicial Directive: Several petitions demanding caste enumeration are currently pending before the Supreme Court.
  • The Indra Sawhney judgement of 1992 [Mandal Commission verdict] the Supreme Court  said that Caste census has to be done periodically.
  • However in 2024 the Supreme Court refused to direct the Central government to conduct Caste Census stating it to be a governance issue.
• State Initiatives: States like Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana have independently conducted caste surveys.
  • The Centre’s decision to include caste data in the next Census aligns with these trends, reflecting the rising demand for caste-based data in governance and electoral politics.

Pros and Cons of Caste Census

Conclusion

The Cabinet’s decision to include caste in the Census marks a historic policy shift, expected to reshape socio-economic policies, representation, and welfare distribution in India.