Caste Census in India: Need and Challenges
Why in News?
- The Government of India has announced the inclusion of caste details in the upcoming national census, marking the first comprehensive caste enumeration since 1931. This decision aims to provide updated data to inform policies on affirmative action and social welfare.
Important Key Points:
-
Historical Context: India’s last full caste census was conducted in 1931. Subsequent censuses have collected data only on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), leaving a significant data gap regarding Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other castes.
-
Significance of Caste Census:
-
Policy Formulation: Accurate caste data is essential for designing effective affirmative action policies and ensuring equitable resource distribution.
-
Social Justice: Understanding the socio-economic conditions of various castes can help address historical injustices and promote inclusivity.
-
Empowerment: Data-driven insights can empower marginalized communities by highlighting areas needing targeted interventions.
-
-
Challenges:
-
Data Accuracy: Ensuring the reliability of self-reported caste information poses a significant challenge.
-
Social Sensitivities: The process may inadvertently reinforce caste identities, potentially exacerbating social divisions.
-
Political Implications: Caste data can influence electoral politics, leading to concerns about its potential misuse.
-
-
Recent Developments:
-
State-Level Surveys: States like Bihar and Karnataka have conducted their own caste surveys, revealing a higher percentage of OBCs than previously estimated, thereby intensifying demands for increased reservations.
-
Political Discourse: The inclusion of caste data in the national census has become a focal point in political debates, with opposition parties advocating for it as a means to promote social equity.
-
