Syllabus: 

GS 1: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Context: 

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), headed by the Prime Minister, has approved the enumeration of castes in the upcoming Census.

More on the News

• Caste-based enumeration will be a part of the next decadal census. 
• The main goal of this effort is to better understand how different caste groups are growing and changing over time.

Definition

• A Caste Census entails the systematic collection of demographic data disaggregated by caste during the decennial Census exercise. 
• This process aims to generate comprehensive data pertaining to the proportional representation of various caste groups, their attendant socio-economic indicators, educational attainment levels and other pertinent parameters.

Constitutional Status

• As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List under the Seventh Schedule. 
• Article 340 of the Indian Constitution authorizes the President to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes in India. 

Historical Background

• Caste enumeration was a regular feature of census exercises during British rule from 1881 to 1931. 

• However, with the first census of independent India in 1951, the government discontinued this practice. 

• The last officially published comprehensive data on caste demographics is available from the 1931 Census. 

• Although caste data was also collected in the 1941 Census, the findings were not officially released due to the disruptions caused by the Second World War.

• Post-independence censuses (1951–2011) included data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes but excluded broader caste enumeration.

• The Socio-economic caste census 2011 was the first such exercise conducted after independence to collect comprehensive data on socio-economic status and caste of households in rural and urban India.
• While the socio-economic data from SECC 2011 was released in 2015, the caste data was not made public due to concerns over accuracy and complexities of classification. 

Need of Caste Census in India

• Better Policy Making: It will help government to make informed decisions and design welfare schemes based on real data.
• Understanding Social Inequality: It focus on the economic and literacy status of various caste groups, which would help reduce the inequality.
• Fair Representation: A caste census can ensure fair representation in government jobs, education, and politics.
• Updating Old Data: Without updated data, we rely on estimates, which may lead to unfair or ineffective policies.

Challenges associated with the caste-based census

• Complexity in Categorization: India’s caste system is intricate and multilayered with thousands of castes and sub-castes that differ by region. Trying to accurately classify these is one of the major logistical challenges.
• Risk of Misreporting: People may under-report their caste due to social stigma or positive discrimination benefits. The result could be bad data and skewed policy planning.
• Political Correctness: In India, caste is extremely politicized. If caste data were published, this could also lead to social agitation and political polarization in response to demands for changes in reservation policies.
• Strengthening Caste: A caste census risks strengthening rather than annihilating caste as envisioned in the Constitution.

Mains Practise Question: 

Q. The demand for a caste census in India stems from its potential to reshape welfare policies and social justice. Critically examine the arguments for and against a nationwide caste census, and assess its implications for affirmative action and governance.

PYQ:

Q. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (2023)

Q. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (2020) 

Q. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.”  (2018)