Caste Enumeration in India

The decision by the Narendra Modi government to include caste enumeration in the upcoming Census is positioned as a bold and transformative step towards evidence-based policymaking. This initiative is crucial for addressing India's social justice needs and facilitating a more inclusive society.

Historical Context and Need for Caste Data

• Policy Schizophrenia: Post-Independence, India attempted to abolish caste while pursuing social justice, which are fundamentally incompatible goals.
• Constitutional Mandate: The Constitution mandates social justice through reservations, necessitating precise caste data.
• Visibility and Inclusion: Caste data collection is essential for reservations, targeted policymaking, and tracking disparities.
• OBC Enumeration: Since 1951, the Census included Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), but excluded Other Backward Classes (OBCs), despite their eligibility for reservations.

Failures and Challenges in Caste Data Collection

• SECC 2011 Debacle: The Socio-Economic and Caste Census of 2011 was plagued with issues due to lack of legal authority, inappropriate management, and confusing questions.
• Need for Legal Backing: Amendments to the Census Act, 1948 are advised to mandate caste enumeration.
• Institutional Responsibility: The exercise should be managed by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, rather than ministries without domain expertise.

Measures for Effective Caste Enumeration

• Standardized Questionnaire: Implement closed-option questions with dropdown menus to prevent errors and use unique digital codes for caste names.
• State-specific Caste Lists: Develop lists in consultation with state governments and sociologists, allowing for public feedback before finalization.
• Enumerator Training: Provide region-specific training sessions and use digital tools to minimize human error.
• Independent Oversight: Establish district-level committees for auditing and data monitoring.
• Pilot Testing: Conduct trials in diverse states to refine methodology before a nationwide rollout.

Path Forward

Counting the remaining OBCs and upper castes is considered feasible and necessary to close the data gap. The delayed 2021 Census presents an opportunity to address this long-standing issue effectively.