The Caste Enumeration in Census has been a long-debated demand in Indian polity and social justice discourse. With the Union Cabinet approving this major reform in the upcoming decennial Census, the government is set to conduct Indiaโs first caste census since 1931, excluding SCs and STs which are already enumerated. This move is politically, socially, and constitutionally significant โ with ripple effects expected across electoral politics, reservations, and welfare governance.
In a historic move, the Union Cabinet has approved caste enumeration as part of India’s first digital Census, scheduled post the delay of the 2021 Census due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy shift will include recording caste data beyond Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), potentially reshaping the country’s approach to social equity and electoral boundaries.
This comes ahead of significant political events such as the Bihar elections, reflecting the governmentโs attempt to align governance with the realities of Indiaโs complex caste demographics. Notably, the move is backed by constitutional provisions and past recommendations by various backward class commissions.
A digitally conducted enumeration process aims to ensure transparency and reduce duplication via a centralised caste directory. The data is expected to influence the delimitationย of constituencies, the reservationย of seats for women, and welfare scheme distribution more equitably.
Points to Remember
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๐๏ธ Last Census held in 2011; 2021 delayed due to pandemic.
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๐ป First digital Census in India with real-time data verification.
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๐๏ธ Caste data to be collected in Phase 2 using a caste directory.
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๐ฏ Expected to affect delimitation and 33% women’s reservation under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
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๐งโโ๏ธ Supported by Articles 15(4), 340, and 342 โ related to backward class commissions and protections.
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๐ฃ๏ธ Union Home Minister described it as an โinclusive and progressive step.โ
Historical Context and Significance
The last comprehensive caste census was conducted in 1931 during British rule. Since then, successive governments have hesitated to include caste data beyond SCs and STs, citing the risks of deepening social divisions. However, the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 did collect some data, though it wasnโt officially released due to inconsistencies.
The new move marks a paradigm shift towards recognizing India’s socio-economic realities. With caste being a crucial determinant of access to opportunities, health, education, and employment, data-driven policymaking becomes imperative.
Legal and Constitutional Frameworkย of Caste Enumeration in Census
Caste enumeration connects closely with the following constitutional provisions:
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Article 15(4): Enables the state to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes.
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Article 340: Empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes.
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Article 342: Concerns the specification of Scheduled Tribes.
Furthermore, the Justice Rohini Commission, established to examine sub-categorisation of OBCs, has long recommended accurate data collection for better reservation distribution.
Also Read:ย Articles of the Constitution: Article 13
Implications for Governance and Policy
Electoral Delimitation
Caste data could guide future delimitation of electoral constituencies, ensuring equitable representation based on population.
Reservation for Women
The recent passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), reserving 33% seats in legislatures, may use caste data to ensure intersectional representation.
Welfare Distribution
Social welfare schemes like PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, and scholarships could be more accurately targeted based on community-specific needs.
Political Realignment
States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are likely to witness major political shifts, with caste census data reshaping party strategies and governance models.
Linking to Other Reforms
The caste enumeration initiative aligns with a larger shift towards data-driven governance seen in:
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๐ Digital India Mission โ promoting real-time e-governance.
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๐งโ๐ซ NEP 2020 โ calling for equity in education based on socio-economic data.
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๐ค One Nation, One Ration Card โ enabled by demographic data tracking.
It also complements EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) reservation, ensuring holistic social classification in policymaking.
Additional Resources
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Read the full report on The Hindu ๐ (DoFollow)
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Census 2021 Overview – Ministry of Home Affairs ๐ (DoFollow)
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Justice Rohini Commission โ PRS Legislative Brief ๐ (DoFollow)
