The Hindu Editorial Analysis
12 May 2025
Why India must get the Caste Census right
(Source – The Hindu, National Edition – Page No. – 08)
Topic: GS 1 & GS 2: Indian Society | Social Justice | Governance | Census and Policy Making
Context
- The Indian government has signaled its intention to conduct a caste enumeration in the upcoming census, a bold and transformative move.
- While caste data has historically been gathered for SCs and STs, there has been no comprehensive enumeration of OBCs and other castes since 1931.
- This editorial argues for a scientific, inclusive, and transparent caste census, emphasizing its value for evidence-based policymaking and equitable development.
Introduction
In a society where identity shapes opportunity, data is power.
A caste census is not about appeasement—it is about recognizing lived realities and delivering justice through informed policy.
For India to move toward inclusive governance, the caste census must be done right and responsibly.
Why the Caste Census Matters
1. Visibility Enables Justice
- Not counting caste data has created a policy vacuum, rendering many marginalized communities invisible in official statistics.
- It blocks effective planning in education, employment, and welfare.
2. Fulfilling Constitutional Promises
- The Constitution envisions social justice through reservations, representation, and welfare.
- But the absence of updated caste data undermines affirmative action’s credibility and implementation.
3. Correcting Historical Omissions
- Post-Independence India counted SCs/STs but excluded OBCs and other castes due to fears of reinforcing caste identities.
- This has limited empirical knowledge about social backwardness and access to resources among OBCs and sub-castes.
Administrative and Legal Rationale
1. EWS Precedent and Legal Backing
- The inclusion of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in reservations based on economic surveys shows that sub-categorization within castes is already happening.
- A caste census can refine such processes and ensure fairer quota implementation.
2. Informed Public Resource Allocation
- Current reservation policies operate in an information vacuum, often favoring dominant sub-groups within OBCs.
- Without robust data, public spending and representation remain inequitable and unaccountable.
Lessons from the Past: SECC and Its Pitfalls
1. The Failure of SECC 2011
- The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 identified over 46 lakh castes, but the caste data was never officially released.
- Reasons: lack of methodological rigor, improper digital tools, and political hesitation.
2. Key Problems
- Lack of uniform caste spellings, overlapping caste names across regions, and unclean data formats plagued the process.
- The need for scientific design, pilot testing, and digital precision is clear.
Blueprint for a Successful Caste Census
1. Legislate and De-politicize
- Amend the Census Act to allow caste enumeration with safeguards.
- Entrust the process to professional bodies like the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, not politicians.
2. Robust Methodology
- Use pre-tested, standardized questionnaires, closed options, and digital data entry tools.
- Clearly define caste categories and sub-groups, allowing for nuanced analysis without ambiguity.
3. Ensure Community Participation
- Consult state governments, sociologists, and civil society.
- Pilot trials in select districts, especially in caste-diverse states like UP, Bihar, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, are essential.
4. Transparency and Timely Release
- Make data public promptly. Prevent political bottlenecks in publishing and using the findings.
Conclusion
The caste census is not just about numbers—it’s about recognition, justice, and empowerment.
To ignore caste is to ignore inequality.
To count caste accurately is to equip India to deliver equity through policy, not assumption.
The success of this exercise will define India’s democratic maturity and commitment to uplift those long denied visibility in its development story.