Origin of Census in India:
The origin of the Census in India dates back to the colonial exercise of 1881.
Census is used by the government, policymakers, academics, and others to capture the Indian population, access resources, map social change, and conduct delimitation exercises.
History of Caste-based Data Collection in India:
Caste-based data collection has a long history in India, with information on castes being included up to 1931.
Post 1951, the decision to stop collecting caste data was made to move away from a divisive approach and promote national unity.
However, with changing socio-political dynamics and the need for accurate information, there has been a renewed call for a caste census.
Advantages of Caste Based Census
1. Informed Policy-Making Targeted Welfare Programs:
Accurate data on caste composition can help the government design and implement welfare schemes that are more targeted, ensuring that the benefits reach the communities that need them the most.
Resource Allocation: It can lead to a more equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that marginalized communities receive their fair share.
For instance, In Karnataka, there were claims that among the castes, the Lingayats are the most numerous. So the census can reveal the true information .
2. Social Justice and Equity:
Addressing Disparities:By identifying the socio-economic conditions of different castes, the government can work to reduce inequalities and bridge the gap between different communities.
Reservation Policies: A caste census can provide empirical data to justify and adjust reservation policies in education, employment, and political representation.
3. Understanding Demographic Changes
Population Dynamics: It helps in understanding the changing demographics of different castes, aiding in long-term planning and development.
Cultural Preservation: Documenting smaller or endangered communities can help in the preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage.
4. Strengthening Democratic Processes
Political Representation: Accurate caste data can lead to more balanced political representation by ensuring that all communities have a voice in governance.
Empowerment of Marginalized Groups: Marginalized communities can use this data to demand their rights and representation in various spheres of public life.
5. Reduction in Social Tensions
Transparency and Accountability: A transparent caste census can reduce speculations and myths about the size and influence of various communities, potentially reducing social tensions.
Addressing Caste-Based Discrimination: By understanding the extent of caste-based disparities, authorities can more effectively address caste-based discrimination and inequality.
In summary, a caste census in India has the potential to bring about more equitable, inclusive, and effective governance, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the country.
Arguments Against conducting Caste Based Census
– It will help the government shape its policies in line with the aspirations of different groups. But this kind of action might have far-reaching effects and even permanently fracture India’s social fabric.
-This has been demonstrated by history: During British rule, the inclusion of religion in the Census and subsequent creation of separate electorates had a negative impact on social cohesion, eventually resulting in India’s Partition.
– Similarly, adding caste to official Census data is bound to aggravate social differences, strengthen identity politics, and splinter the country along caste lines. Thus, this is by no stretch of imagination a harmless exercise.
-It could derail the movement towards the creation of a casteless society and has the potential to permanently damage the national integrity of the country.
-Census classifications have the potential to entrench identities and aggravate social divisions. More significantly, contrary to religion, which continues to have some influence over personal rituals and ceremonies, caste is purely a vestige with no functional relevance in any facet of modern life.
-In today’s India, most youth, especially in urban India, do not identify themselves by their caste and some are not even aware of it.
-Unfortunately, conducting a caste-based Census would force these youth to identify as members of a particular caste, thereby entrenching the caste system.
–Considering the diversity of caste subgroups in our society, a Census would trigger divisions, along the lines of caste and sub-castes.
Way Forward
-One of the ways ahead pointing out the need for a caste census can also be seen in the vast income disparity in the country.
Eg.A 2020 Oxfam report states that
the top 10% of India’s population owns 74.3 % of the total wealth;
the middle 40% owns 22.9%;
and the bottom 50% owns just 2.8%.Such an unequal distribution of wealth demands a greater understanding of Indian society.
-Informed policies and their delivery which address affirmative action as a method of reducing the rich-poor gap are significant and, in order to properly understand the distribution of wealth in the country.
-Informed policies and their delivery which address affirmative action as a method of reducing the rich-poor gap are significant and, in order to properly understand the distribution of wealth in the country.
-The immediate goal is to bring out the ways and means to concentrate upon the castes and classes who are still deprived, under-privileged and improvised.
-The immediate goal is to bring out the ways and means to concentrate upon the castes and classes who are still deprived, under-privileged and improvised.
-Another proposed solution is the Need for sub categorisation of Backward classes: Instead of going behind the caste based census, the government can subclassify the Backward Classes like in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal ,Tamil Nadu.
This will provide the benefit to intended beneficiaries.Since the government has already appointed Justice G Rohini Panel on Sub-categorisation of OBCs.
Difference between SECC and Caste Census
- The Census presents a portrait of the Indian people, whereas the SECC is a tool for identifying state assistance recipients.
- Because the Census is conducted in accordance with the Census Act of 1948, all data are deemed secret, however the SECC website states that “all personal information submitted in the SECC is open for use by Government agencies to award and/or restrict benefits to families.”