Answer

Caste census is a government-conducted enumeration that aims to collect demographic data on different castes within a population. It provides information on the distribution and socio-economic status of various caste groups with the aim of better understanding and addressing issues related to caste-based discrimination and disparities in resource allocation and opportunities. Accordingly, the SECC was conducted in 2011 aimed to gather detailed socio-economic data, including caste. Yet, concerns about data quality and classification have hindered the release and effective use of the raw caste information.

The recent release of caste survey data by the Bihar government has reignited the discussion on the need for a caste census.

Need of the Caste Census

• Address Social Inequality: A caste census can pinpoint disadvantaged groups, enabling focused policies to combat inequality and uplift marginalized communities through better understanding of caste group distribution. This will lead to social justice in the country.
• Assist in Policy Making: A caste census generates vital data for informed policymaking and equitable upliftment, laying the groundwork for data-driven policies in a society marked by exclusion and discrimination. Socio-economic caste census data enhances government welfare targeting for marginalized communities.
• For ex: It helps in enhancing government welfare programs for marginalized communities, as seen in initiatives like the National Food Security Act (NFSA), which provides subsidized food grains to eligible households based on their socio-economic status.

• Reservation Reassessment: A fresh caste census can identify those overrepresented and reduce their reservation share, promoting opportunities for other castes. It will minimize inclusion and exclusion errors as precise caste data identifies most backward castes.
• For ex: Mandal Commission's recommendations, which led to reservations for OBCs in India, were based on the data available at that time.

• Tackling Multifaceted Discrimination: Caste, intertwined with gender, religion, and region, compounds disadvantages. Census reveals these intersections, enabling nuanced, and multidimensional policies.
• For ex: Recognizing the intersection of caste and gender can lead to targeted programs like the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative to address the low female literacy rates in certain caste groups.
• Aligned with the Constitution: The Indian Constitution supports a caste census, with Article 340 requiring a commission to assess socially and educationally backward classes and recommend the government to take necessary actions.

Challenges associated with caste census

• Potential for Heightened Social Divisions: Opponents of a caste census express concerns about its potential to exacerbate social divisions. They advocate for a focus on promoting social harmony instead, asserting that emphasizing shared commonalities among people rather than accentuating differences would be more conducive to national integration.
• Nearly a decade after the SECC, significant data remains unreleased or partially disclosed due to these consequences.
• Increase Calls for Additional Reservations: Caste census could spur more requests for expanded or distinct quotas, like Patels, Gujjars, and Jats. It may trigger additional demands in the future.
• Collecting caste data is challenging: Enumeration in India involves complex factors, like variations in caste spellings across states and differing caste statuses between regions.
• Caste-Based Political Mobilization: The data could be exploited for narrow political gains, fostering caste-based mobilization. As India aims to reduce caste divisions, a caste census might inadvertently reinforce them.
• Challenges in Defining Castes: Defining castes is intricate due to India's numerous castes and sub-castes. A caste census demands a clear definition, a challenging task. Critics warn of potential confusion, disputes, and increased social divisions.

Therefore, Independent studies at district and state levels can collect caste and subcaste data, but it should be handled carefully to avoid exploiting divisions for electoral gain or undermining the principle of representation in a diverse democracy. Leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning can aid in data analysis.

The debate over a caste census in India underscores the importance of obtaining precise data on OBCs and other groups to advance social justice and equitable resource allocation. Additionally, a caste census aids in evaluating affirmative action policies and offers a comprehensive view of Indian society. Policymakers should carefully weigh the arguments from both sides to foster a more equitable and just society.