Cabinet Approves Caste Enumeration in Upcoming Census

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Context

• Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Prime Minister of India, has decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming Census exercise, marking a significant shift in India’s approach to demographic data collection.

Caste Based Enumeration

• Historical Perspective: The last caste-based enumeration in India was carried out in 1931 under British rule, recording 4,147 distinct castes.
  • Although caste details were gathered in 1941, they were never published due to the outbreak of World War II.
  • Post-Independence, only Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been counted in the decennial Census.
  • In 1961 Directive, the Union Government authorized states to conduct their own surveys to identify OBCs (Other Backward Classes). 
  • In 2011, Socio-Economic Caste Census was conducted to obtain data about socio-economic status of various communities.

Constitutional Basis for the Decision

• Union Subject: As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union subject, listed in the Union List under the Seventh Schedule.
  • It ensures that caste enumeration, conducted as part of the main Census, will have a uniform and transparent framework across the country.
  • The Census Act, 1948 provides the legal framework for conducting population censuses in India. It outlines the procedures, duties, and penalties associated with census operations.

Significance of Caste Enumeration  

• Digital Census: The next Census will be conducted in digital mode, with respondents having the option to fill the questionnaire via a mobile application.
  • A new column for caste enumeration will be added, featuring a drop-down code directory for easy selection.
• Data-Driven Policy Making: Comprehensive caste data will enable evidence-based governance, ensuring fair representation in education, employment, and welfare programs.
  • It will help refine reservation policies.
  • It will aid in the implementation of the 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
• Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities: The data will provide insights into economic inequalities among caste groups, aiding in targeted development programs.
• Judicial Demand: The Supreme Court’s judgment in the Indra Sawhney case established that a state’s conclusion regarding the “backwardness” of a group must be founded on proper assessment and objective evaluation.

Concerns Related to Caste Enumeration

• Potential for Political Exploitation: Critics argue that caste enumeration could be used as a political tool to influence electoral strategies.
  • There are concerns that state-level caste surveys have lacked transparency and were conducted with political motivations.
• Risk of Deepening Social Divisions: Some fear that caste enumeration may reinforce caste identities, leading to fragmentation rather than inclusivity.
  • The debate over caste-based reservations could intensify, creating social tensions.
• Challenges in Implementation: Ensuring accurate data collection without manipulation or misrepresentation remains a challenge.
  • The methodology for caste classification must be transparent and scientifically validated.

Conclusion

• The inclusion of caste enumeration in the next Census is a landmark decision that promises to reshape India’s socio-political landscape.
• By providing detailed data on caste demographics, the government aims to address inequalities and foster inclusive development.
• As the Census unfolds, its impact on policy-making and societal dynamics will be closely watched. 

Source: TH