Context:
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that caste enumeration will be part of the next Census. This marks a significant shift in India’s demographic data collection approach.
Historical Context
- The last full caste-based Census was conducted in 1931 during British rule.
- Post-independence Censuses have only enumerated Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- The 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) was conducted separately and lacked legal mandate or comprehensive caste disclosure.
Legal and Operational Framework
- Caste data will be gathered during the second and final phase of the upcoming decennial Census, giving it statutory authority.
- The upcoming Census will be conducted digitally for the first time.
- A dropdown caste code directory is being integrated into the Census mobile app to facilitate accurate data entry.
Emerging Political Dynamics
- Caste enumeration could reshape political alignments by activating marginalized voices, leading to new party formations and power-sharing arrangements.
- Ashwani Kumar, another political scientist, remarked that the move offers a “golden opportunity” for deeper democracy and harmonious power sharing, not fragmentation.
Challenges and Sensitivities
- The Karnataka caste survey experience shows that dominant communities (e.g., Lingayats, Vokkaligas) may oppose the findings if perceived as unfavourable.
- Managing post-enumeration demands for reservations, welfare, and political representation will require deft governance.
Census Timeline
- The 2021 Census, initially delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has not yet been officially rescheduled.
