Universal Coaching Centre -

Enter your keyword

COACHING CENTRE UNIVERSAL COACHING CENTRE Let's join hands together in bringing Your Name in Elite officers list. JOIN US MORE THAN A MEET NEW FRIENDS AND STUDY WITH EXPERTS JOIN US Nothing is better than having friends study together. Each student can learn from others through by teamwork building and playing interesting games. Following instruction of experts, you and friends will gain best scores.

ULP Click here! Click here! Classroom Programme NRA-CET Test Series
Click here ! Click here!
Org code: XSHWV

post

Caste Census Returns to Centre of Indian Politics

Syllabus:

GS-1:

Population and Associated Issues

GS-2:

Government Policies & Interventions

Focus:

The Union Cabinet has approved a caste census to be conducted along with the delayed 2021 Census, marking a reversal from its earlier stance. This decision is expected to impact electoral boundaries, reservation policies, and political alignments, with far-reaching consequences for affirmative action and social justice frameworks.

Background and Historical Context:

Caste Census in Colonial and Post-Independence India

  • The last comprehensive caste census was conducted in 1931 under British rule.
  • The 1941 Census was incomplete due to World War II, and caste data was not published.
  • After Independence, Indian governments deliberately excluded caste enumeration beyond SCs and STs, fearing it would entrench caste divisions.
  • Since 1951, only Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and religious denominations were counted.

Shift in Ideological Approach Over Time

  • Founding leaders believed caste enumeration would hinder caste eradication.
  • Over decades, the rise of social justice politics and Mandal Commission recommendations in the 1990s changed this view.
  • Demands grew stronger from states with Mandal legacy, especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Understanding Census in India:

●Conducted every 10 years since 1881, providing a systematic record of population and social changes.
● First Non-synchronous Census: Conducted in 1872 under Lord Mayo.


● First Synchronous Census: Held in 1881 under British rule

.
●Nodal Agency: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under Ministry of Home Affairs.

Purpose & Importance

● Demographic Insight: Enumerates population size, distribution, literacy, employment, etc.


●Policy Formulation: Helps governments design targeted schemes based on real data.


●Social Change Mapping: Tracks changes in demographics, living standards, and mobility.


●Inequality Analysis: Identifies disparities across caste, gender, and region.
●  Academic Resource: Used in research and planning across sectors.

About Caste Census:

● Involves caste-wise tabulation during the population count.
●SCs and STs have been counted since 1951.
●OBCs (52% population) remain uncounted, leading to repeated demands for caste enumeration.
●Last caste-based data: From 1931 Census (British India).

About the Census vs SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census):

FeatureCensusSECC
Legal BasisCensus Act, 1948No specific legal basis
ConfidentialityStrictly confidentialUsed by government for benefit schemes
FrequencyEvery 10 yearsConducted once in 2011
PurposeGeneral demographic snapshotFocus on economic condition and caste
First Conducted1881 (synchronous)2011, previously in 1931 (for caste)

The Evolution of Political Standpoints:

The Congress Party’s Shift

  • The Congress Party, once opposed to caste enumeration, shifted stance post-2019 electoral setback.
  • Rahul Gandhi championed OBC representation and pushed for caste-based enumeration.
  • Congress-led governments in Karnataka and Telangana undertook state caste surveys.
  • It supported the Bihar caste survey when part of the Mahagathbandhan

The BJP’s Ideological Recalibration

  • The BJP, influenced by the RSS, traditionally resisted caste census, viewing it as divisive for Hindus.
  • Ahead of crucial elections (especially in Bihar), the BJP endorsed the caste census, marking a significant ideological pivot.
  • The party now aims to reposition itself as a supporter of OBC empowerment, overcoming its anti-Mandal legacy.

Socio-Political Implications of Caste Enumeration:

Legal and Constitutional Considerations

  • The caste census may challenge the 50% reservation cap established in the Indra Sawhney judgment (1992).
  • It could provide evidence for increased reservations or sub-categorisation within existing quotas.
  • The debate may shift from arbitrary figures to evidence-based policy

Caste as a Tool for Political Mobilisation

  • Caste remains a powerful determinant of political representation and voting patterns in India.
  • Enumeration may influence party strategies, candidate selection, and electoral alliances.
  • It can bolster demands for quota within quota, especially among diverse OBC sub-groups.
  • Potential for greater affirmative action effectiveness through targeted welfare

Operational and Administrative Challenges:

Previous Attempts and Limitations

  • In 2011, the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted separately.
  • It cost Rs 4,900 crore, but caste data was withheld due to inconsistencies and lack of clarity in categorisation.
  • An Expert Committee under Arvind Panagariya (NITI Aayog) was set up but the data was never made public.

Current Census Status and Technical Hurdles

  • The 2021 Census has been delayed due to COVID-19.
  • The government has extended the tenure of the Registrar General till August 2025, indicating upcoming preparations.
  • The caste census will be integrated with House Listing, Housing Census, and Population Enumeration.
  • It requires careful training of enumerators, questionnaire design, and safeguards against data misuse.

Future Prospects and Potential Consequences:

Impacts on Policy and Representation

  • Census data will influence delimitation of constituencies, which is frozen until after 2026.
  • Implementation of women’s reservation in legislatures also depends on updated Census data.
  • May lead to a more inclusive political structure, with greater representation of marginalized groups.

The Political Gamble and New Narrative

  • For the BJP, the caste census marks a strategic gamble, going against its long-held ideology.
  • If executed strategically, it can enhance BJP’s image as a pan-Hindu and OBC-inclusive party.
  • The Congress aims to capitalize on social justice politics, especially in states with large backward class populations.
  • The caste census may lead to a fundamental reset in how affirmative action and political representation are framed in India.

Conclusion:

The return of the caste census signals a paradigm shift in India’s approach to social equity, representation, and data-driven policy-making. While it poses operational challenges, its successful implementation could help realign welfare distribution and reshape the political narrative, making governance more inclusive and evidence-based.

Source: Hindustan Times

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the socio-political and legal implications of conducting a caste census in India. How can it influence affirmative action, electoral representation, and the future of social justice policies? Highlight the administrative and constitutional challenges associated with this exercise.