In a significant move, the Government of India has decided to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census, marking a historic step after nearly a century. This decision, taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to ensure transparency and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the nation. For aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and State PCS, this development is crucial as it holds implications for governance, policy-making, and social justice, which are often tested in current affairs sections.
Key Highlights of the Decision
- Transparent Inclusion: The caste enumeration will be conducted as part of the official census, ensuring a standardized and transparent process, unlike state-level surveys that have varied in intent and execution.
- Union Subject: As per Article 246 of the Constitution, the census is a Union subject (listed at number 69 in the Union List, Seventh Schedule), reinforcing the central government’s authority over this exercise.
- Delayed Census: The census, originally scheduled for April 2020, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this upcoming exercise a much-anticipated event.
- Political Context: The decision comes amid demands from opposition parties and ahead of key state elections, particularly in caste-sensitive regions like Bihar, making it a politically significant move.
Why It Matters for Competitive Exams: Questions on census operations, social justice policies, and constitutional provisions are common in competitive exams. The inclusion of caste enumeration could lead to questions on its historical context, constitutional basis, and socio-economic implications.
Historical Context
Caste enumeration was a regular feature during British rule from 1881 to 1931 but was discontinued post-independence, except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The last attempt at collecting caste data was through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) in 2011, but its findings were not fully released. This decision to reintegrate caste data into the national census is the first comprehensive effort since 1931, addressing long-standing demands for accurate caste-based data to guide welfare schemes and reservations.
Implications for Governance and Society
The inclusion of caste enumeration is expected to:
- Enhance Policy-Making: Accurate caste data will help the government design targeted welfare programs for marginalized communities, aligning with the principle of social justice.
- Strengthen Reservations: It will provide a clearer picture of caste demographics, potentially impacting reservation policies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), SCs, and STs.
- Address Social Inequities: By identifying economically and socially backward groups, the government can address disparities and promote inclusive development.
Criticism and Challenges
While the decision has been welcomed by leaders across the political spectrum, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, some challenges remain:
- Potential for Social Division: Critics argue that caste enumeration could reinforce social divisions, though proponents counter that data-driven policies can mitigate casteism.
- Administrative Complexity: Enumerating thousands of castes, many of which are state-specific, poses logistical challenges, though the government has successfully managed SC and ST data since 1951.
- Political Misuse: Past state-level surveys have been criticized for being politically motivated, raising concerns about the neutrality of the process.
Exam Tip: For prelims, focus on constitutional provisions (Article 246, Union List), historical census milestones (1931, 1951, SECC 2011), and key figures like PM Modi and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. For mains, prepare for questions on the socio-economic impact and challenges of caste enumeration.
Conclusion
The decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census is a landmark move that reflects the government’s commitment to social justice and inclusive governance. For competitive exam aspirants, understanding the nuances of this development—its constitutional basis, historical significance, and potential impact—is essential. Stay updated with official announcements regarding the census timeline, as it could be a focal point in upcoming exams.