In a significant and potentially landmark decision, the Indian government is set to conduct a caste-based census alongside the regular population enum
In a significant and potentially landmark decision, the Indian government is set to conduct a caste-based census alongside the regular population enumeration, marking the first such comprehensive exercise since the country’s independence. The Union Cabinet gave its nod on Wednesday for the enumeration, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirming it will be integrated into the forthcoming main census. The move comes ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections later this year, a decision seen by some as an attempt by the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to preempt opposition strategies.
Briefing the media after the cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw referenced previous discussions, stating that while many political parties had supported the idea, the Congress government in the past had advocated for only a survey rather than a full census, despite some directives during the Manmohan Singh era.
The decision, taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs – often referred to as the ‘Super Cabinet’ comprising senior ministers – is widely seen as a strategic political move by the Modi government, particularly with the Bihar elections looming. Approving the caste census is perceived as a ‘trump card’ intended to compel opposition parties to reconsider their political strategies.
Beyond its immediate political implications, the government’s decision is being hailed as a crucial step towards achieving social justice. The caste-based census aims to collect comprehensive data on citizens categorized by caste, providing accurate statistics on the population size of various caste groups. This data is expected to reveal which communities may have been historically disadvantaged or have not adequately benefited from social welfare schemes. Unlike previous socio-economic surveys, this will be the first time the central government formally conducts a comprehensive caste enumeration alongside the national census.
Proponents argue that a detailed caste count is vital for informed policymaking. It will enable the government to identify communities lagging in development and formulate targeted schemes for areas like education, health, and employment. Furthermore, access to accurate caste data can facilitate the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, potentially mitigating social inequalities and addressing historical discrimination by providing a basis for corrective measures.
Historically, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has often relied on the support of upper castes. However, the move to conduct a caste census is seen by some as an effort to broaden its appeal and accommodate the growing political aspirations of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
India’s last regular decennial census was conducted in 2011, the seventh since independence and the 15th overall. This exercise was carried out in two phases: house listing in 2010 and population enumeration in February 2011. The 2011 census recorded a total population exceeding 121 crore, with a population growth rate of 17.64% and a literacy rate of 74.04%.
The census due in 2021 was initially postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently delayed further due to administrative and political considerations. This planned census was notable as it was intended to be the country’s first digital census, utilizing mobile applications and electronic devices for data collection. The government also sought to update the National Population Register (NPR) concurrently, a plan that faced objections from several states and added to the complexities.
While advocates champion the caste census as indispensable for promoting social equality and ensuring equitable representation, critics voice concerns that it could exacerbate social tensions and be prone to political manipulation. Practical challenges related to data collection complexity and privacy issues also remain key considerations.
It is noteworthy that the last complete caste-based census in India was conducted by the British administration in 1931, which provided detailed data on various castes. The subsequent census in 1941 was left incomplete due to the Second World War.
The outcome and utilization of the data from this forthcoming caste census will be closely watched, potentially shaping social policies and political discourse for years to come.
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