Inclusion of Caste Enumeration in the Upcoming Census

Context

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Prime Minister of India, has decided to consist of caste enumeration in the upcoming Census exercising, marking a great shift in India’s method to demographic statistics series.

Historical Perspective of Caste Based Enumeration

• The ultimate caste-based enumeration in India was achieved in 1931 under British rule, recording 4,147 awesome castes.
• Post-Independence, only Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) were counted inside the decennial Census.
• In 1961 Directive, the Union Government authorized states to conduct their own surveys to pick out OBCs (Other Backward Classes). 
• In 2011, Socio-Economic Caste Census was carried out to obtain records about socio-economic popularity of diverse groups.

Constitutional Basis for the Decision

• Union Subject: As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union situation, indexed in the Union List under the Seventh Schedule.
• It ensures that caste enumeration, performed as a part of the principle Census, can have a uniform and obvious framework across the country.
• The Census Act, 1948 gives the legal framework for conducting population censuses in India. It outlines the strategies, obligations, and penalties related to census operations.

Significance of Caste Enumeration  

• Digital Census: The next Census may be carried out in digital mode, with respondents having the option to fill the questionnaire by a mobile application.
  • A new column for caste enumeration might be delivered, offering a drop-down code directory for easy selection.
• Data-Driven Policy Making: Comprehensive caste statistics will permit evidence-primarily based governance, ensuring fair representation in training, employment, and welfare programs.
  • It will assist refine reservation policies.
  • It will resource inside the implementation of the 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
• Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities: The data will offer insights into financial inequalities amongst caste organizations, helping in centered development programs.
• Judicial Demand: The Supreme Court’s judgment inside the Indra Sawhney case established that a state’s end regarding the “backwardness” of a group has to be based on proper assessment and objective evaluation.

Concerns Related to Caste Enumeration

• Potential for Political Exploitation: Critics argue that caste enumeration will be used as a political tool to influence electoral methods.
  • There are issues that state-level caste surveys have lacked transparency and were carried out with political motivations.
• Risk of Deepening Social Divisions: Some concern that caste enumeration might also toughen caste identities, leading to fragmentation instead of inclusivity.
  • The debate over caste-based reservations could intensify, developing social tensions.
• Challenges in Implementation: Ensuring accurate data collection without manipulation or misrepresentation remains a challenge.
  • The method for caste classification should be transparent and scientifically verified.

Conclusion

• The inclusion of caste enumeration in the next Census is a landmark decision that promises to reshape India’s socio-political landscape.
• By offering detailed statistics on caste demographics, the government aims to cope with inequalities and foster inclusive development.
• As the Census unfolds, its effect on policy-making and societal dynamics could be carefully watched.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Consider the following statements: (2009)

1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times. 
2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (d)

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