Caste Census

Caste Census : The Union Cabinet has announced a historic decision to include a caste census in the upcoming population census, demonstrating the government’s commitment to social justice.

• About Caste-Based Census: Records the population by caste during the national census to assess socio-economic conditions and support affirmative action.

o Caste data has historically informed administration, from colonial times to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), which was never released due to data inconsistencies.

o Articles 16(4) and 340 of the Constitution support affirmative action for backward groups, though often based on expert opinion rather than empirical data, as with the Mandal Commission.

o Despite repeated demands for a national caste census, only Bihar conducted its own in 2023.

• Need : Address Inequities: Helps uncover intra-caste disparities and ensures fair distribution of resources.

o Data-Driven Policy: Offers empirical evidence to shape and justify affirmative action.

o Evaluate Impact: Assists in assessing the effectiveness of reservation policies.

o Improve Governance: Informs better planning and execution of welfare schemes through accurate demographic insights.