India is a country with a complex social structure that includes the caste system. The caste system has been an integral part of Indian society for centuries, and it has influenced many aspects of life in India, including education, employment, and politics. The issue of caste has been a sensitive topic in Indian politics, and recently, there has been a renewed call for a caste census in India. This article explores the topic of caste census in India, including its history, significance, and challenges.
History of Caste Census in India
The first caste census in India was conducted in 1871 by the British government. The census was intended to create a system of classification for the various castes and sub-castes in India. The data collected during the census was used to create a hierarchical system of classification for the different castes, which was then used to allocate resources and opportunities.
The last caste census in India was conducted in 1931. Since then, there have been calls for a caste census to be conducted again, but these calls have been met with resistance from various quarters. In 2010, the government of India conducted a socio-economic caste census, which collected data on the
socio-economic status of various castes, but it did not include information on the number of people belonging to each caste.
Significance of Caste Census
The primary significance of a caste census in India is that it would provide accurate data on the number of people belonging to each caste. This data would help the government to identify and address the various social and economic issues faced by different castes. It would also help to identify areas where
affirmative action policies need to be implemented.
The data collected during a caste census would also help to dispel many myths and misconceptions about the caste system. It would provide a clearer picture of the caste structure in India and help to promote social harmony and understanding.
Challenges of Conducting a Caste Census
There are several challenges associated with conducting a caste census in India. One of the biggest challenges is the political sensitivities surrounding the issue of caste. The issue of caste is deeply ingrained in Indian society, and any attempt to collect data on caste is likely to be met with resistance from various quarters.
Another challenge is the issue of accuracy. The caste system in India is complex, and it is not always easy to determine the caste of an individual. There are also instances where individuals may belong to more than one caste, or they may not identify with any caste at all. This makes it difficult to collect accurate data on the number of people belonging to each caste.
Who
has the powers to do the caste census in India?
In India, the
power to conduct a census is vested with the central government. The
responsibility for conducting the census is assigned to the Registrar General
and Census Commissioner of India, who is appointed by the central government.
The Constitution of India mandates the government to conduct a census once every ten years to gather data on the country's population. The census is conducted under the Census Act, 1948, which empowers the central government to conduct a census and lays down the procedures for conducting the census.
The Census Act provides for the appointment of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, who is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting the census. The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India is appointed by the central government and has the power to issue directions for the conduct of the census.
The census in India is conducted in two phases: the house listing phase and the population enumeration phase. In the house listing phase, information on each household's basic amenities and assets is collected. In the population enumeration phase, information on the demographics of the population, including age, sex, marital status, occupation, and education, is collected.
However, the enumeration of caste is not included in the census in India. The last time caste data was collected was in the 1931 census, after which the government decided to discontinue the practice of collecting caste data.
The demand for a caste census has been a subject of debate and discussion in India for several years. Many political and social groups have been demanding the inclusion of caste data in the census to obtain accurate data on the population's caste distribution.
The central government formed a committee in 2018 to examine the feasibility of conducting a caste census. The committee submitted its report to the government in 2020, but no decision has been taken yet on whether to conduct a caste census.
Demographics
and Research Data
According to the 2011 census of India, the population of India was 1.21 billion. The census collected data on the socio-economic status of various castes, but it did not include information on the number of people belonging to each caste. However, according to estimates, the Dalit community, also known as Scheduled Castes, comprises around 16.6% of India's population, while the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) comprise around 52% of the population. The Forward Castes, which are the upper castes, comprise around 22% of the population, while the Scheduled Tribes comprise around 8% of the population.
In recent
years, the issue of caste census in India has gained renewed attention. In
2018, the government of India formed a committee to examine the feasibility of
conducting a caste census. The committee submitted its report to the government
in 2020, but no decision has been taken yet on whether to conduct a caste
census.
The debate on caste census in India has been driven by the demand for social justice and equality. India has a long history of discrimination and marginalization of certain castes, particularly the Dalits, who have historically been considered to be at the bottom of the caste hierarchy. The demand for a caste census is seen as a means to identify and address the social and economic issues faced by these marginalized communities.
The issue of caste census is also connected to the larger debate on affirmative action policies in India. India has a system of affirmative action policies, which provide reserved seats in educational institutions and government jobs for certain castes and tribes. These policies are based on the assumption that certain castes and tribes are socially and economically disadvantaged, and therefore, require special support from the government.
However, there is a growing debate on whether these policies are effective in addressing the issue of caste discrimination. Some argue that these policies are creating a new form of discrimination, as they are perpetuating the idea of caste-based quotas. Others argue that these policies are necessary to address historical injustices and provide opportunities for marginalized communities.
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The issue of caste census is also connected to the larger political landscape in India. Caste has been a significant factor in Indian politics, with political parties often aligning themselves along caste lines. The demand for a caste census has been met with resistance from some political parties, who fear that
it could upset the existing power dynamics.
In conclusion, the issue of caste census in India is complex and sensitive, and there are several challenges associated with conducting it. However, a caste census could provide accurate data on the number of people belonging to each caste, which could help to address the social and economic issues faced by marginalized communities. The debate on caste census is also connected to the larger issue of affirmative action policies and the political landscape in India.