Caste Census in India
What is a Caste Census?
A caste census is a census where the count of people according to their caste is taken. Caste affects employment: in India, caste affects jobs in multiple ways, from education to politics. The population census is conducted regularly every ten years, but does not cover castes in detail for all groupings.
At present only SCs and STs are measured based on caste; others like the OBCs do not have any specific counting. Hence, the absence of such enables the Government to frame rules against such categories effectively.
Why Is a Caste Census Important?
1. Fair Distribution of Resources
It enables the people, or it signifies that the government had any idea how many turned out to belong to that particular caste, for distributing some money or aid fairly. For instance,
- More and more schools can be constructed in the backward areas of the clusters.
- Scholarships can be awarded to deserving candidates.
- Health centers can be built in backward areas.
Thus, with precise counting, the government can draft better plans and make all marginalized groups feel included.
2. Better Reservation Policies
A caste census will facilitate the following:
- Measuring job allocation for different categories
- Whether students belonging to backward castes are getting decent colleges
- Speed of uplifting the poor community
This information makes it possible to amend things whenever required.
3. Stronger Democracy
Every voice in a democracy should count. To ensure this, leaders must understand the true nature of society. A caste census would help:
- In determining which castes require more assistance undertakings politically undertaking,
- Government-ensured fair representation according to castes,
- Realizing the actual problems with elections versus false promises.
History of Caste Census in India
The last full caste census in the country was conducted in 1931, which was during British rule. After this census, the exercise of counting castes in all following censuses was given up by the state. They tallied SCs and STs alone.
Then came the SECC 2011, which had an attempt to gather caste data; however, those data were never released, and experts were dubious about the mismatched data as not being trusted.
It is an astonishing fact that there is no information available on the number of OBCs existing in the states of India, although they form a sizeable section of the population.
Recent Developments: Bihar’s Survey
In Nepal, the census listing will undoubtedly be very much general in name for enumerating all castes within generalities per state; on the other hand, hence, such will become a significant leap in lobbying over the past few years. The idea came up in 2023, with Bihar, an Indian state, taking the lion’s share in caste census advocacy.
- Over 60% of Bihar’s people are OBCs or EBCs (Extremely Backward Classes).
- SCs and STs also form a large group.
- The upper caste population is smaller, but they still hold many important posts.
With these results, many people demanded a full caste census in India conducted by the central government.
Benefits of a Caste Census
1. Helps Find the Truth
At present, nearly every person in India has an approximate idea about the population of OBCs. This, however, will not give us the census of the castes but will provide a real population figure based on it. This transmission will facilitate the planning of welfare programs and budget allocation for them.
2. Supports Social Justice
India wants to be an unbiased nation for all. It becomes very important to know who is truly poor and illiterate and needs help. A caste census is able to provide such information.
- Which castes have vacant jobs?
- Which castes suffer more health problems?
- For what will the government spend more?
Thus, the necessary help goes to the right people.
3. Builds Trust
Thus, by empowering their communities, all communities can now place trust in the systems. The caste census surveys everything so that no one is left feeling alienated. It creates an image of a government that attends to its people, listens to their voice, and acts on it.
Challenges in Conducting the Census
India has thousands upon thousands of castes and sub-castes.
- People might not report their caste accurately.
- Some fear it may stir up a ruckus within the country.
Mobile applications could not have technologically developed without trained personnel in charge. Fairness sums it up under every aspect. Put everything under the microscope- process and application. This will minimize opportunities for misuse.
Public Support and Political Interest
Caste census is being favored or opposed by various political parties that are now ardently in favor of the caste census, claiming that it is the most sensible decision in favor of the people. Some voiced fears about possible inter-caste conflicts. Some NGOs and a fair number of citizens hold that knowns are always better than unknowns. The more we get to know about our society, the more justice there shall be.
How Technology Can Help
Today, data collection is easier than ever. With tools like:
- Digital surveys
- Biometric systems
- Cloud-based storage
Koliwad, questioning the data collection process in Karnataka, suggested analyses in every department under its aegis. Koliwad wanted caste loyalties analyzed to point out some shifts from one community to another.
How a Caste Census Can Change India
The findings of the surveys are not just lists of names; they indicate the nuances of Indian society. They help us:
- Establishing redressal systems.
- Establishing a fair network.
- Establishing occupations and learning places closest to the needs that arise.
Surely, this data would enhance the entire planning process across and at the center of the government. In addition, it shall be cautious of health institutions and schools that are in business with other companies.
Conclusion
The changes seem to be taking place at supersonic speed in India, perhaps, one hundred times more than anywhere else! This transformation ought to be good for India. In the same way, caste census helps the government to understand the ‘where’ and ‘what’ of people’s demands. It also raises issues that are lost in the heat; it generates power in emotions that are most often a lack of power.
