Author: Areesha Beg of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat
INTRODUCTION
It was a scorching day, and classes were about to conclude. All students hurried to the tap to get some water as the bell rang, but Bhim stood apart. Filled with despair, he went back home and asked his aunt, “Aunty, why can’t I drink from the tap like other boys?” His aunt looked at him with a heavy heart and asked him not to dwell in these questions, there are many things in this world which are not meant for them.
Years later, Bhim grew up to become Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, a leader who fought tirelessly against such inequality. Despite the abolition of untouchability and numerous reforms, many such ‘Bhim’ continue to battle against the enduring pain of discrimination showing that fight for true equality was far from over.
Social inequality and discrimination have been deeply rooted in Indian culture. Caste census, a tool used to collect data on various caste groups, has been a topic of debate. This article explores how a caste census plays an essential role in understanding and addressing social inequality and backwardness.
HISTORY OF CENSUS
PRE-INDEPENDENCE
The history of caste census could be dated back to the colonial period. The first full census was conducted in 1881 during the British rule. The census took in entire British India (except Kashmir and French and Portuguese colonial possession). For the first time census included various data including name, religion, sect, caste, subdivision of caste, sex, age, marital status, language, birthplace, education, and means of subsistence. It aimed to classify the population into different categories, providing a snapshot of the socio-cultural landscape of India at that time. The data collected was intended to aid administrative and governance decisions.
Since 1881 the census has been undertaken uninterruptedly every 10 years. The practice continued with subsequent censuses in 1891, 1901, 1911, 1921 and 1931. The first Socio- Economic Caste-Census (SECC) was conducted in 1931. The 1931 census was particularly significant for its detailed and extensive recording of castes and sub-castes, providing a thorough image of the social structure of India at that time. This census was notable for its depth and breadth in categorizing different communities, making it a crucial resource for understanding the socio-political landscape just before the end of British rule.
POST-INDEPENDENCE
The 1951 census was the first census conducted after India gained independence. On the recommendation of the Bhore Committee, the Government of India appointed a Registrar General of Vital and Population Statistics at the Central and the provincial levels. As a result of the recommendations of the committee the Census Act, 1948 came into effect. The act became the guiding force for conduction of censuses. The 1951 census was also conducted in accordance with the Census Act of 1948. Various questions pertaining to name, age, sex, marital and economic status, caste, literacy, means of livelihood etc were asked. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was prepared after the conduct of 1951 census.
The 1961 census in India marked a shift in focus from detailed caste data to broader socio-economic indicators. While the census continued to collect data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), it did not include detailed information on other castes. The emphasis was on demographic factors such as population distribution, education, and employment, reflecting the new priorities of post-independence India. It was a step to move away from divisive approach and promote national unity.
The last comprehensive caste census in India was the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011. It aimed to collect data on socio-economic status including castes, but was primarily focused on understanding poverty, education, and employment among different groups. Although SECC 2011 collected extensive data, the detailed caste-based data has not been fully released or widely used in policy making.
ROLE OF CASTE CENSUS IN UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL INEQUALITY
A caste census serves as a vital tool in revealing and addressing social inequality by providing detailed data on demographic and socio-economic conditions of different caste groups. By highlighting disparities in education, income, and access to essential services, the census enables policymakers to design targeted interventions and allocate resources more effectively. Understanding these inequalities is crucial for developing strategies to promote social justice and equitable development across all segments of society. The caste census helps in understanding social inequality in several key ways:
Comprehensive Data Collection: A caste census collects detailed data on the size and distribution of different caste groups within the population. This includes information on their geographic locations, population density, and social characteristics. It provides data on various socio-economic factors such as education levels, employment status, income, and access to basic service like healthcare and sanitation. This data helps in identifying disparities between different caste groups.
Indentifying Disparities: By documenting the educational attainment of different caste groups, a caste census can reveal gaps in access to quality education. For instance, it can show of certain castes are underrepresented in higher education or face higher dropouts rates. For example, as per the 2011 census, the literacy rate among the Scheduled Castes was 66.1% which is lower than overall literacy rate of India (72.99%). The data shows that although there is an increase in education attainment among marginalized groups there still remain considerable gap. Census data can highlight economic disparities by showing differences in income levels, employment rates, and types of occupations held by different castes. This helps in understanding which groups are economically disadvantaged. For example, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015-16 showed that the average monthly per capita expenditure of households from SCs and STs was lower than that of the households from general caste. Healthcare is another critical area where disparities are evident among marginalized communities. According to the Oxfam report, on average, a woman from a dominant caste lives 15 years longer than a Dalit woman. These communities often face reduced access to healthcare facilities, which can lead to significant differences in health outcomes compared to other caste groups. A caste census would significantly enhance the understanding of social disparities by providing a comprehensive and current dataset on various caste groups.
Informing Policy and Program Design: With accurate data, policymakers can design targeted interventions to address the specific needs of disadvantaged caste groups. For example, if data shows lower educational attainment in a particular caste, targeted educational programs and scholarships can be introduced. Data from caste census can also guide the allocation of resources more effectively. For instance, if certain castes are found to be particularly disadvantaged, additional resources can be allocated to support their upliftment. Updated caste data also helps in evaluating and refining affirmative action policies such as reservations in education and employment. It ensures that these policies are based on current and accurate information about the socio-economic conditions of different castes.
Monitoring Progress and Effectiveness: Caste census helps in monitoring the progress of social and economic policies by providing baseline data. This allows for the evaluation of the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing inequalities and improving conditions for marginalized castes. By comparing data over time, it is possible to track changes in social and economic conditions. This helps in assessing whether the efforts to address inequality are having the desired impact or if new strategies are needed.
Enhancing Social Awareness: Caste census data can raise public awareness about the extent of social inequality and challenges faced by different caste groups. This can lead to greater advocacy and support for the policies aimed at reducing discrimination and improving social justice. The data provides a factual basis for discussions on social inequality and caste-based issues, contributing to more informed and constructive public discourse.
DEBATE OVER CASTE CENSUS
Despite the government halting the broader caste-based census and focusing only on Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), there has been a notable shift in the demand for a comprehensive caste census in recent times. This shift reflects growing concerns and evolving perspectives on caste-based data and its implication. Advocates argue that understanding the socio-economic conditions of Other Backward Classes and castes is crucial for effective policy-making and addressing ongoing disparities. They assert that the existing data may not fully capture the complexities of caste-based disadvantages, thus hindering the development of targeted interventions.
This renewed demand is also driven by debates over reservation quotas. With increasing calls for introducing sub-quota for extremely backward classes, there is a perceived need for accurate caste data to justify and implement such changes. This argument is further strengthened by the recent caste census conducted by the Government of the State of Bihar in 2023. The data released by the Government of Bihar revealed that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs.) together constitute 63% of the state’s total population. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi stated that the figures from Bihar are just a small glimpse of the real picture of the country indicating that if caste data were collected nationwide, it could reveal a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of social and economic disparities across India.
While the demand for caste census has gained momentum, it is not without controversy. Critics of the census raise concerns about potential reinforcement of caste identities and social divisions. They argue that a detailed caste data might exacerbate existing tensions rather than contribute to social cohesion. The debate continues to evolve as various stakeholders weigh the potential benefits against the risks and challenges.
CONCLUSION
A caste census provides crucial insights into the distribution and conditions of different caste groups, helping to identify and address social inequalities. It supports the design of targeted policies, informs resource allocation, and enhances understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It remains a pivotal issue in India, reflecting deep concerns about social equity and justice. The demand for caste census is driven by the need for accurate, up-to-date data to address persistent disparities and design effective policies for marginalized communities. While the data from the Bihar caste survey has highlighted the necessity of a broader caste enumeration, it also underscores the challenges and complexities involved in such an undertaking.
Proponents argue that a pan-India caste census would provide critical insights into the socio-economic conditions of various caste groups, allowing for more targeted intervention and re-evaluation of policies. However, resistance to the caste census persists, fueled by concerns about reinforcing caste identities and potential political implications. Critics argue that caste-based data might exacerbate social divisions rather than promote cohesion and that it should not be the sole measure of socio-economic status.
As India grapples with these issues, the need for a balanced approach remains crucial. The ongoing debate highlights the importance of addressing both the advantages and potential drawbacks of collecting caste-based data. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a more equitable society where affirmative action measures are effectively targeted to reduce disparities and promote social justice for all.
FAQs
What is a caste census?
Answer: A caste census is a process of collecting detailed data on the caste composition of a population. It aims to document the number and socio-economic conditions of different caste groups to inform policies and programs related to social justice and affirmative action.
What is the difference between Census and Socio-Economic Caste Census
Answer: Census provides a general portrait of the Indian population, and its data is confidential under the Census Act of 1948, while SECC is used to identify beneficiaries of state support and its personal information is open for use by government departments to grant or restrict benefits to households.
SOURCES
How a landmark caste census in India threatens Modi’s grip on power | Features | Al Jazeera
Analysis of Caste-Based Discrimination: Through the Spectacles of Bhimayana: Incidents in the Life of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
https://secc.gov.in/
https://www.epw.in/engage/discussion/should-caste-be-counted-census-discussions-decade
