What is Caste Census? – A Comprehensive Analysis(Caste Census ,Historical Timeline and Constitutional and Legal Provisions)

India has a long-standing civilization based on the Varna system, which later evolved into a complex caste-based social structure. This structure has had profound effects on political, social, and economic life. After independence, India undertook several social reforms; however, caste-based data was not officially collected in the decennial census for a long time.

Recently, the central government issued a notification for the upcoming census. According to this, the census in snow-covered regions like Ladakh will begin on 1 October 2026, while in other parts of the country, it will start on 1 March 2027. This time, the caste census has been included, which holds historic significance from both social and policy-making perspectives.

Introduction to Census in India

Caste Census in India: Historical Timeline

• 1872 – The first attempt at a census in British India.
  • It was not organized at an all-India level but was a preliminary experiment.
  • Caste data was collected only in a limited form.
• 1881 – The first regular and organized census under Lord Ripon.
  • This census was conducted with a focus on caste-based classification.
  • Objective: To facilitate administration by understanding social divisions.
• 1931 – The last comprehensive caste census.
  • It included social, economic, and population data for all castes.
  • Even today, these figures are used as a reference in policy debates and research.
• 1941 – Caste information was collected in a limited form.
  • The data was not published, likely due to World War II and administrative challenges.

Caste Data in Independent India

• 1951 – First Census of Independent India
  • Caste data was limited only to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
  • Other Castes were not enumerated.
• 1990 – Mandal Commission Recommendations
  • Based on the Mandal Commission’s recommendations, 27% reservation was implemented for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs.
  • This decision increased the importance of caste-based data.
• 2011 – Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)
  • A historic initiative, which collected caste data along with economic information nationwide.
  • However, the caste data has not been publicly released.
  • The government refrained from publishing it due to technical errors and questions about data accuracy.
• 2021 Census
  • Scheduled census in 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Difference from General Census
  • Caste census is distinct from the regular census.
  • It collects information about each individual’s caste, which is essential for policy-making, reservation, and social justice.

Constitutional and Legal Provisions

1. Constitutional Provisions

• Article 246: Matters listed in the Union List, which include the right of the central government to conduct a census.
• Seventh Schedule (Entry 69): The Union List entry that mentions the census.
• Article 340: Provision for the President to constitute a Commission to examine the status of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).

2. Legal Provisions

• Census Act, 1948: Provides the legal framework for conducting decennial censuses.
• Census Rules, 1990: Regulate the process of data collection and reporting.

Need for Caste Census

1. Constitutional Compliance

• A caste census ensures identification of socially and educationally backward classes in line with Article 340 and related provisions.

2. Policy Making

• Updated caste-based data enables evidence-based policy decisions.
• Facilitates targeted distribution of welfare schemes and equitable allocation of resources.

3. Affirmative Action

• Accurate identification of beneficiaries of reservations.
• Ensures equitable distribution of benefits among OBC sub-categories.
• Supported by the Justice Rohini Commission (2017) report, which emphasizes proper allocation among sub-castes.

4. Understanding Social Reality

• Provides insights into the socio-economic conditions of communities such as the Marathas in Maharashtra and Jats in Haryana.
• Assists in making informed decisions regarding their claims on national resources.

Caste Surveys vs. Caste Census

• Survey: Conducted for a limited time and specific region.
• Census: A statutory process under the Constitution, implemented nationwide.

Concerns Related to Caste Census

1. Accuracy of Data
   • The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) faced issues like duplicate entries and spelling errors.
   • Without proper training for officials, errors and deliberate misreporting may occur.
2. Classification Issues
   • Differences exist between central and state caste lists.
   • Example: In Haryana, Jats are not in the OBC list, while in Uttar Pradesh, they are included.
3. Political Sensitivity
   • Caste data may promote identity-based politics.
   • Potential for caste-based demands for reservation and social unrest.
4. Privacy and Data Security
   • Digital data collection poses security risks.
   • Low digital literacy in rural areas may lead to incorrect data entry.

Measures for a Successful Caste Census

1. Consultative Process
   • Registrar General and Census Commissioner should consult experts, caste groups, political organizations, and the general public.
2. National Caste Directory
   • Prepare a standardized list.
   • Use online feedback for refinement and finalization.
3. Training and Capacity Building
   • Proper training of officials and staff.
   • Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics.
4. Use of Modern Technology
   • Employ digital platforms and mobile applications for data collection.
   • Ensure data accuracy and quality.

Significance of Caste Data

• Social Reforms: As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar said, “Political reform is not possible without social reform.”
• Equal Opportunities: For backward and marginalized communities.
• Policy and Planning: Effective and equitable implementation of welfare schemes.
• OBC Sub-Categorization: Ensures fair distribution of benefits.
• Evidence-Based Decisions: Provides a basis for reservation and welfare policies.