Caste Sensus in India and Bihar Census Issue Flashcards
NEWS
The recently released caste survey data by the Bihar government has once again brought the issue of caste census to the forefront. While the Census of India has been publishing data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, there has been no estimate for the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other groups.
What are Census and Socio Economic and Caste census (SECC)?
Census in India:
The origin of the Census in India dates back to the colonial exercise of 1881.
Census is used by the government, policymakers, academics, and others to capture the Indian population, access resources, map social change, and conduct delimitation exercises.
However, it has been criticized as a blunt instrument unsuited for specialized inquiry.
SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census):
SECC was first conducted in 1931 which aimed to collect information on the economic status of Indian families, both in rural and urban areas, to identify indicators of deprivation.
It also collects data on specific caste names to evaluate the economic conditions of different caste groups.
Difference Between Census & SECC:
Census provides a general portrait of the Indian population, while SECC is used to identify beneficiaries of state support.
Census data is confidential under the Census Act of 1948, while personal information in SECC is open for use by government departments to grant or restrict benefits to households.
The History of Caste-based Data Collection in India:
Caste-based data collection has a long history in India, with information on castes being included upto 1931.
Post 1951, the decision to stop collecting caste data was made to move away from a divisive approach and promote national unity.
However, with changing socio-political dynamics and the need for accurate information, there has been a renewed call for a caste census.
What is the Significance of Caste Census?
To Address Social Inequality:
To Ensure Equitable Distribution of Resources:
To Monitor the Effectiveness of Affirmative Action Policies:
To Provide a Comprehensive Picture of Indian Society.
Constitutional Mandate:
Our Constitution too favours conducting a caste census. Article 340 mandates the appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by governments.
What are the Arguments against Caste Census?
Reinforces the Caste System:
Difficult to Define Castes:
Leads to Further Social Divisions:
What is the Government’s Stand on a Caste Census?
The Government of India in 2021 had stated in Lok Sabha that it has decided as a matter of policy not to enumerate caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census.
What is the Role of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)?
The SECC conducted in 2011 was an attempt to collect comprehensive data on socio-economic indicators along with caste information.
However, due to concerns over data quality and classification challenges, the raw caste data collected in the SECC has not yet been released or utilized effectively.
An Expert Group was formed to classify and categorize the raw data, but its recommendations are still pending implementation.
