Latest news with #Socio-EconomicandCasteCensus
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Opinion A properly conducted caste census offers a rare chance to ground policy in reality
The Narendra Modi government's decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming Census must be welcomed, but with enormous caution and with our fingers crossed. Given the propensity of our political class to use caste for narrow and short-term electoral gain, a lot of scepticism about the matter is warranted. The rationale for a caste census ought to be based on two considerations. First, however complex caste is, it cannot be ignored as it impinges on every aspect of life in this country. Counting and collating social reality is inherently good for administrative purposes. The second consideration is the other side of the coin — that we must end both policymaking and arguments relying on 'guesstimates' of the socio-economic status of the castes. The government might have solved the problem of facing increasing demands for caste census, and also scored a few brownie points, but it has set in motion a very delicate, daunting and contentious journey. Though the future is unknown, one is free to speculate on the trajectory of the caste census, if the saga of the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) is any indication. It is hard to judge whether SECC was an exercise in bad faith, or if it ran aground as the complexities of caste were too many. One problem is the sheer number of castes to be enumerated, and the other, the confusion over some caste names. For example, whereas the 1931 census counted 4,147 castes, the number increased to 46,73,034 when the SECC was carried out. The forthcoming enumeration has reportedly taken into account these problems, and the final number of castes will be a few thousand and in the region of the 1931 numbers, not in lakhs as in the SECC. The tenacity of caste is another problem that's been bedevilling India's social policy. Be it formulating rights and privileges, or giving effect to those rights — for example, in the form of granting quotas — the state is becoming a handmaid to society: Instead of being guided by norms and ideals that the Constitution enshrines, the state merely acquiesces to the agenda set by society. Hence, the demand for a caste census. Ironically, the reason several castes are clamouring to be counted formally is the logic that the numbers determine the rights, or the quantum of quotas. The numbers game must give us two nightmares. On the electoral/ political plane, the fine slicing of society into a few thousand pieces will ultimately result in political instability. India has been lucky to have produced, at the national level, two big-tent parties (BJP and Congress) and charismatic leaders. Tragic will be the day when the country runs out of luck. The second nightmare is administrative. It is not merely a matter of facing more demands for quotas or sub-quotas. Even after adding copious portions of good faith to the exercise, the end result will be contentious. Can the government use the caste census to bring clarity and finality to the never-ending demands for quotas and sub-quotas? Be that as it may, this stupendous challenge can also be an opportunity if the government is willing to bring about a paradigm shift. Since 1935, when the Dalits and tribals were christened respectively as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs), all law-making and policy formulation on quotas have miraculously been in sync with the caste divisions prescribed by Manusmriti. In the context of the four-fold caste system, the 'top' three (the so-called twice-born) castes are now classified as Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs), the fourth cluster (Shudras) is identified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and the Most Backward Classes (MBCs). Those outside the caste fold are the SC/STs. The SC/STs have distinct identities of being victims of untouchability and physical isolation, among others. Therefore, no other social group can be classified as one of them. But, within the four-fold caste system, one can find ample evidence of an upper caste household (EWS) being almost similar to an OBC household, or vice versa. Therefore, we must end the fiction that upper castes merely suffer from economic backwardness, whereas the OBCs suffer from both economic and social backwardness. Of course, the clustering of castes for granting quotas is an administrative exercise, not a matter related to the Constitution or the census enumeration. However, since this counting is taking place in the context of quotas, while counting castes for what they are, the collection of household data needs to be expanded so that the categorisation of households based on their backwardness becomes possible. This will enable an OBC category to encompass not only the Shudra households but also upper caste households. A brave government can go so far as to cluster creamy-layer SC/STs with the other two groups, and so on and so forth. There are two benefits of collecting adequate household data that would enable the government to come up with new categorisations based on the socio-economic status of castes. One, caste divisions within the Hindu society could be minimised if the government regards it as desirable. Two, the census data could be the sole criterion for all governments to consider quota-related demands. To belabour the point, a re-categorisation of households of the 4,000 or so castes into three or four groups based on socio-economic criteria could bring about some sanity to our politics and governance.
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Business Standard
7 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Caste census to boost social justice, not division: NCSC Chairperson
Nixing insinuations that caste enumeration would create chasms in society, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairperson Kishor Makwana said the data gathered would serve as a foundation for policy decisions and strengthen social justice. It will help uplift the marginalised backward communities, he told PTI in an interview. With the BJP-led NDA government deciding to include caste enumeration in the next census, Makwana welcomed the move, saying that unlike in 2011, "definite figures would be available" that would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. The UPA government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census in 2011, which was the first attempt since 1931 to collect caste data nationwide. However, the caste data from SECC-2011 was never fully released or utilised. Rejecting concerns that the caste census could lead to sectarian divisions, Makwana said, "This will not create any division based on caste. Rather, it will strengthen social justice." "It will uplift backward castes and strengthen all three aspects -- social, political, and economic -- of Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream for the Scheduled Caste community." The caste census will provide accurate numbers that will serve as a foundation for policy decisions and target beneficiaries of schemes such as the Mudra Yojana in a much better manner, the NCSC chairperson said. "It will ensure that those who have remained deprived, finally get their due." Makwana clarified the NCSC would not be directly involved in the enumeration process but would play a critical role in post-census policy framing. "We don't have a role in the data collection itself. But after the data is out, the commission will have a role in ensuring the Scheduled Castes get their due share based on proportion. In that sense, this is a major step toward social justice," he said. Lauding the central Cabinet's decision, the NCSC chairperson said the caste census aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to uplift the last person in society, both socially and economically. "This decision takes that vision forward. Those who have been left behind will now be empowered," he said, adding that accurate data would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. "With definite population data, communities will get what they deserve in proportion. Right now, benefits are being given based on estimates. Once we have numbers, proper policy interventions can be made," he said. Noting that the last caste census was held in 1931 and updated data has been lacking, Makwana said, "We've been working on the assumption that SCs form 7 per cent of the population. But without verified data, many deprived sections remain unaccounted for." "The new census will bring detailed data, not just for the SCs, but also for sub-castes within Muslim and Christian communities," he said. Makwana also criticised political parties that previously opposed the caste census, saying they didn't include caste data in the seven censuses conducted since 1951 because their intentions were not right". On the commission's broader activities, the chairperson said the NCSC has begun conducting state-level hearings, which weren't done earlier. "We held hearings in Punjab and Rajasthan. We are going among the people. Legal provisions alone won't solve caste-based issues; there has to be a sense of empathy and emotional connection in society as well," he said. Raising concerns about the condition of Dalits in Punjab, Makwana said, "Students are not getting scholarships, many youths have fallen into drug addiction, dropout rates are high, and even government officials are not getting benefits of schemes.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Caste census not divisive, it will strengthen social justice: Scheduled Caste rights panel chief
Nixing insinuations that caste enumeration would create chasms in society, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairperson Kishor Makwana said the data gathered would serve as a foundation for policy decisions and strengthen social justice. It will help uplift the marginalised backward communities, he told PTI in an interview. With the BJP-led NDA Government deciding to include caste enumeration in the next census, Mr. Makwana welcomed the move, saying that unlike in 2011, 'definite figures would be available' that would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. The UPA Government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census in 2011, which was the first attempt since 1931 to collect caste data nationwide. However, the caste data from SECC-2011 was never fully released or utilised. Rejecting concerns that the caste census could lead to sectarian divisions, Mr. Makwana said, 'This will not create any division based on caste. Rather, it will strengthen social justice.' 'It will uplift backward castes and strengthen all three aspects — social, political, and economic — of Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream for the Scheduled Caste community.' The caste census will provide accurate numbers that will serve as a foundation for policy decisions and target beneficiaries of schemes such as the Mudra Yojana in a much better manner, the NCSC chairperson said. 'It will ensure that those who have remained deprived, finally get their due.' Mr. Makwana clarified the NCSC would not be directly involved in the enumeration process but would play a critical role in post-census policy framing. 'We don't have a role in the data collection itself. But after the data is out, the commission will have a role in ensuring the Scheduled Castes get their due share based on proportion. In that sense, this is a major step toward social justice,' he said. Lauding the central Cabinet's decision, the NCSC chairperson said the caste census aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to uplift the last person in society, both socially and economically. 'This decision takes that vision forward. Those who have been left behind will now be empowered,' he said, adding that accurate data would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. 'With definite population data, communities will get what they deserve in proportion. Right now, benefits are being given based on estimates. Once we have numbers, proper policy interventions can be made,' he said. Noting that the last caste census was held in 1931 and updated data has been lacking, Mr. Makwana said, 'We've been working on the assumption that SCs form 7 per cent of the population. But without verified data, many deprived sections remain unaccounted for.' 'The new census will bring detailed data, not just for the SCs, but also for sub-castes within Muslim and Christian communities,' he said. Mr. Makwana also criticised political parties that previously opposed the caste census, saying they didn't include caste data in the seven censuses conducted since 1951 because their intentions were not right'. On the Commission's broader activities, the Chairperson said the NCSC has begun conducting State-level hearings, which weren't done earlier. 'We held hearings in Punjab and Rajasthan. We are going among the people. Legal provisions alone won't solve caste-based issues; there has to be a sense of empathy and emotional connection in society as well,' he said. Raising concerns about the condition of Dalits in Punjab, Mr. Makwana said, 'Students are not getting scholarships, many youths have fallen into drug addiction, dropout rates are high, and even government officials are not getting benefits of schemes.'
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Transparent caste census vital tool to ensure social justice
For centuries, India endured profound and widespread suffering due to deep-rooted socio-economic, educational, and political disparities that affected the very fabric of our society. The unequal and often unjust distribution of natural resources and opportunities created vast divides between different sections of the population, entrenching poverty and limiting upward mobility for millions. Caste-based discrimination further exacerbated this inequality, systematically marginalizing large segments of society and denying them access to basic rights, education, and fair representation. These structural injustices not only hindered individual progress, but also collectively stalled the nation's journey towards inclusive growth and equitable development, depriving countless citizens of their fundamental right to live a life of dignity and self-respect. It is, therefore, laudable that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 30, 2025, decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. This demonstrates the present government's commitment to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society. An official statement issued on the day read: 'As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule. While some States have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society.' 'Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey. This will ensure that society becomes stronger economically and socially, and the country's progress continues without hindrance. It is noteworthy that when a provision of 10 percent reservation was made for the economically weaker sections of society, it did not create tension in any section of society,' added the statement, further stating how the previous government at the Centre led by Dr Manmohan Singh opted for a survey instead of a caste census, known as the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC). Caste-based social discrimination has a complex and varied history across the world, with the most notable example being India, where caste has played a regressive role in dismembering social structure for centuries. Powers-that-be were never serious in addressing the repercussions of caste-based discrimination. The first formal attempt to count castes in India occurred during the British colonial rule, starting with the 1871 Census, and continued in successive decennial censuses until 1931, the last time caste data (other than that of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) was officially recorded. The 1941 Census did include some limited tables for a few selected castes in specific districts, but not a comprehensive all-India caste table. The British used caste data to administratively manage diverse populations, often solidifying caste identities in the process. In recent decades, debates around caste census re-emerged in our country, particularly for policymaking, affirmative action, and resource allocation, amid growing concerns about underrepresentation and social justice. Now the Centre has agreed to count castes. Whether one agrees or disagrees, caste enumeration will neither be divisive nor suppressive but will open up newer and better vistas for inclusion and empowerment of those left behind if the sanctity of details is not compromised and corrective measures are promoted under the ambit of the Constitution, a great asset we have got from none other than Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar. The idea of a caste census aligns closely with the spirit of our Constitution, which enshrines the principles of equality, social justice, and affirmative action. The Constitution recognizes the historical disadvantages faced by marginalized communities including SCs, STs, and OBCs, and provides for targeted policies to uplift them. A transparent and reliable caste census will serve as a vital tool to ensure that our welfare and affirmative policies are based on accurate and up-to-date data, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and fairness. By revealing the true socio-economic conditions of various caste groups, such a census will empower the state to frame evidence-based welfare programmes and bridge gaps in representation and opportunity. Currently, most welfare policies and affirmative action programmes are based on outdated or incomplete data, making it difficult to assess whether benefits are reaching those who need them most. Far from being divisive, the caste census supports the constitutional mandate to create a more equitable society by acknowledging disparities and working proactively to address them. One should also note that a thorough caste census would expose hidden inequalities and help the government design more targeted interventions to uplift marginalized communities. By acknowledging the real extent of caste-based disparities in education, employment, health, and income, the caste census can move public policy beyond tokenism toward substantive equality. It will foster transparency and accountability in resource allocation, enabling evidence-based decisions rather than assumptions or political calculations. In the long run, recognizing and addressing caste-based disadvantages through data-driven policy could serve as a powerful tool in the larger mission of achieving social justice and ultimately, the annihilation of caste. The critics and opponents of caste census, who are mainly from the so-called upper caste Hindus and other religious groups, enjoying the benefits of over representation for decades, need to know that in a diverse and democratic nation like India, any attempt to continue marginalizing vast sections of society, whether through skewed policies, social exclusion, limited access to quality education, or economic discrimination, ultimately harms the entire nation. When our citizens are deprived of equal opportunities and dignity for long, the nation's collective strength, innovation, and harmony are eroded. Remember, a nation is only as strong as its weakest citizen. Undermining the foundations of equity and inclusion will eventually lead to instability, resentment, and a loss of national potential. And those who orchestrate or endorse such divisions will inevitably face the consequences too, socially, politically, and morally. So, be inclusive, responsible and caring. All-round empowerment of all in sync with the Constitution of India is the need of the hour to secure our collective future. Welcome and support caste census, which must be conducted realistically and is not tempered numerically at all. It must reflect the writings on the wall, and must not suppress or hide them in any respect.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Plea to Koraput collector on land rights for tribals
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Representatives from Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks submitted a memorandum to the Koraput district collector on Saturday, highlighting issues of land rights and alleged police delegation, comprising 33 signatories, including several sarpanchs, emphasised that despite these blocks falling under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution with over 80% ST and SC population, most families remain landless due to historical dispossession by non-tribal to the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census, both blocks are classified as severely "deprived". Since 2005, residents have been demanding "freedom from bondage, alcohol, and landlessness", but claim their voices were suppressed through false cases and arrests."The police implicated hundreds of our people in fabricated cases of sedition and terrorism. Currently, there are outstanding warrants against 1,100 individuals who aren't even aware of the charges against them," said Nachika Linga, who led the memorandum highlighted an incident when senior govt officials acknowledged the improper implementation of Regulation 2/1956 and Amendment Act 1/2000, which were designed to prevent tribal land alienation . Operation Sindoor Pak drones enter Indian airspace, explosions heard just hours after truce deal Sirens, explosions in border districts after Pak breaks deal: What we know so far 'What happened to ceasefire?' J&K CM after explosions heard across Srinagar Despite the state govt's 2011-12 announcement of a high-level committee to address these issues, no concrete action was representatives demanded the immediate cessation of alleged false arrests, the establishment of an independent judicial review mechanism, strict implementation of land protection regulations, and public disclosure of the high-level committee's recommendations made from time to time. "We seek a peaceful and just resolution to these long-standing issues. Our people deserve development and dignity, not persecution. We were long deprived of several benefits. We hope that the govt considers our demand and looks for a resolution at the earliest," Linga said that the collector's office received the memorandum and is expected to review the demands.
