Context:

• This article is based on a news “Bihar caste survey data released: A look at the complicated history of caste census” which was published in the Indian Express. The Bihar government recently released the findings of the caste survey conducted earlier this year.

Caste Survey in Bihar

• The Bihar caste-based survey is the first such exercise since India became independent in 1947. 
• The share of Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is more than 63%.
• The combined population share of the reserved categories in Bihar—OBC, EBC, SC, ST is more than 84 per cent. 
• The Hindus are the majority community in the state comprising 81.99 per cent of the total population, followed by Muslims 17.70%.
  • Christians, Sikhs, Jains constitute less than 1 percent.

Controversy/Challenges with the survey:

• Demand for National level survey: With the caste survey in Bihar, the demand for a caste survey at the national level has gained momentum. 
• Demand for increased reservation: It is likely to intensify calls for an increase in the OBC quota beyond the current 27% and for the implementation of a sub-quota for the EBCs. 
  • It is expected to reignite the longstanding debate surrounding the 50% cap on reservations, which was established by the Supreme Court in the case of Indra Sawhney v Union of India (1992). 
• Lack of Economic data: Unless the caste data is interpreted with the economic figures, the government won’t be able to frame policies and target schemes at the most-deprived sections of the society. 
  • There is a possibility that the creamy layer might end up cornering all the benefits.
• Debunking myths of classless Muslim population:The survey has highlighted the existence of social divisions in muslim population based on birth, similar to the majority community.
• Stabilization of Muslim population: Within the 17.7% of the state’s population represented by Muslims, the growth rate of the Muslim population is approximately 0.8%. 
  • These findings contradict the general narrative that the Muslim population is growing at a faster pace and will surpass the Hindu population in the near future.
• Fear of religious reservation: If the 50% reservation limit is exceeded in Bihar, it would result in a significant increase in reservation for Muslim population in government jobs and college seats.
  • This situation would bear a resemblance to religious reservation under the guise of securing quotas for the backward classes.

Also read: NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES

Benefits of Caste Based Survey

• Accurate estimate of OBCs: There is no one estimate for the OBCs as different figures have come from different government institutions.
  • The Mandal Commission estimated the OBC population at 52 per cent.
  • The NSSO (National Sample Survey Organisation) surveys: Variation in population from about 36 per cent to 45 percent.
  • The UDISE+ [United District Information System for Education  Plus] data: OBC children comprise 45 per cent students in primary schools.
• Development policies: Accurate assessment of the OBC population is needed to accordingly draft policies for their betterment, which may cover education, employment, and other development metrics. 
• Proportional representation: The backward communities have a higher share in the population but fewer representation in public institutions and politics. 
  • 15 per cent reservation exists for the scheduled castes (SCs) in government jobs and higher educational institutions
  • 7 per cent for the scheduled tribes (STs)
  • 22 per cent for the other backward classes (OBCs).
• Dataset for crucial studies: The census also provides the data set from which the National Sample Survey and National Family Health Survey draw their samples.

About Census

• Census provides detailed and authentic information on demography, economic activity, literacy and education, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, language, religion, migration and many other socio-cultural and demographic data.

Census in India

• The Indian Census is the largest single source of various statistical information on various characteristics of the people of India. 
  • Nodal Agency: Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Statutory Provision: In 1948, the Census Act was enacted to provide a plan for conducting a population Census along with the duties and responsibilities of Census officers.
  • Union list: It is currently included in the Union list of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. 

Phases of Census Operations in India

• Houselisting and Housing Census: In this, all buildings, Census Houses and Households are identified and systematically listed in the relevant schedules. 
  • It provides comprehensive data on the conditions of human settlements, housing deficit and consequently the housing requirements to be taken care of in the formulation of housing policies.
•  Population Enumeration: It follows the Housing Census within a gap of six to eight months. 
  • Each person is enumerated and her/his individual particulars like Age, Marital status, Religion, Scheduled Caste/Schedule Tribe, Mother tongue, Education level, Disability, Economic activity, Migration, Fertility (for female) are collected.

Difference between Census and Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC)

• The aim of a regular Population Census is to provide an overview but is not concerned with any particular individual / household i.e., personal data given in the Population Census is confidential. 
• On the contrary,  all the personal information given in the Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) is open for use by Government departments to grant and/ or restrict benefits to households. 

Conclusion

The Caste Survey in Bihar has not only revealed the intricate demographic composition of the state but has also started debates on national caste surveys and reservation policies. An accurate enumeration of OBCs may aid in the formulation and development of affirmative action based programmes of the government. The data can also be used in the debate related to reservation policy, and poverty alleviation schemes targeted towards OBCs. However, it may further perpetuate caste identities. Thus, the caste data will become actionable only when interpreted in conjunction with the economic data and result-oriented schemes are implemented. With the economic data, the politics of caste might be replaced by the politics of economics with the poor among the castes demanding a greater share in electoral politics and government schemes.