What is Caste Census and why is it important in India today?

As the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming census, let’s take a closer look at what a caste census is, why it matters and the arguments both for and against it.

What is a Caste Census?

A caste census refers to the process of collecting data on different castes during the national population census.

While India’s decennial census records information on religion, language and socio-economic status, caste-wise data has not been comprehensively collected since 1931, except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Has it been done before?

Yes, but not recently. The last full caste census was carried out by the British in 1931. Since then, caste data has only been officially recorded for SCs and STs from 1951 onwards. Although caste-related data was gathered as part of the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), the figures were never released publicly due to data inconsistencies and classification issues.

Why the demand now?

The push for a caste census isn’t new. It originates from the fact that most welfare schemes and reservation policies are often based on outdated data from 1931. Many argue that a fresh count is essential for accurately identifying and supporting backward and marginalised communities. The demand has gained fresh momentum ahead of the 2024 general election, with several caste-based and regional parties advocating for it, while the BJP has shown reluctance, reportedly due to political concerns over its broader Hindutva appeal.

Bihar, first to introduce

Bihar is the first state that has conducted its own caste-based survey. The state government released the data in 2023, sparking a national debate on whether similar exercises should be carried out across the country.

Arguments in favour

• Informed policy making: Fresh data will help in designing targeted welfare schemes.
• Update for quotas: It provides a factual basis for caste-based reservations.
• Empowerment: It helps bring marginalised communities into the mainstream.
• Democratic transparency: Promotes inclusivity and corrects imbalances.
• Debunks elitism: Challenges assumptions about caste hierarchies.

Arguments against

• Political competition: Could trigger a renewed scramble for OBC votes.
• Social tension: May deepen caste divisions and lead to friction.
• Logistical burden: Conducting such a survey across India is complex and time-consuming.
• Data sensitivity: Comparisons between castes might lead to unrest or misinterpretation.