Caste Census: Why It Matters

Shama Khanam

“I never knew the name of my caste until the world reminded me of it again and again. When opportunities shrunk, when stares turned suspicious, when questions went unanswered. I knew, I belonged to a box too old to break but too real to ignore.”

This is not just the voice of one individual, but an echo resonating from every corner of India where caste, despite constitutional promises of equality, continues to determine one’s destiny more than merit or dreams.

A Shadow That Never Left

India’s caste system, deeply entrenched in its social fabric, is both a historical construct and a contemporary reality. The country may have traversed centuries, written the longest constitution, sent rockets to Mars, and celebrated a booming tech economy, yet the bitter truth remains, caste still decides who we marry, where we live, how we are treated, and often, what future we may dare to dream of.

In this context, a caste census is not merely an exercise in data collection. It is a mirror to the nation and acknowledgement of an uncomfortable truth. A truth that the political class evades, the privileged ignore, and the oppressed endure.

Why Count Caste?

To count is to recognize. To recognize is to empower. And empowerment begins with visibility.

The argument for a caste census is rooted in the foundational principle of democracy and equality. You cannot promise justice without understanding the actual structure of society. The existing quotas and affirmative action policies are based on data that is outdated or insufficient. The last caste-based census was carried out by the British in 1931 which is nearly a century ago. Since then, India has changed drastically in population, aspirations, and challenges. Yet, the caste structure remains a force which is visible in some places, subtle in others, but omnipresent.

The Long Journey: From 1931 to Now

British India and the 1931 Census

The 1931 Census under British rule was the last to count and classify the Indian population along caste lines. The colonial state, driven more by the objective of governance and control than social justice, categorized Indian society with meticulous (and sometimes manipulative) attention. Despite its limitations, the data served as the basis for the initial policy frameworks on representation and reservation.

After Independence, the Indian state discontinued caste enumeration among non-SC/STs, primarily due to the fear that it would perpetuate divisions rather than dissolve them. The dream was to build a casteless society. But that dream, noble as it was, rested on denial rather than transformation.

Constitutional Morality vs. Ground Reality

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, warned repeatedly: “Caste is not merely a division of labor. It is a division of laborers.” His fears have materialized. Despite constitutional safeguards, caste continues to influence every domain i.e, from education to employment, politics to policing.

The Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), 2011: A Lost Opportunity

In 2011, under the UPA-II government, India undertook a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC). It was hailed as a historic step. However, due to multiple inconsistencies, poor categorization, and non-verification of caste data, the caste component of SECC was never released publicly. The socio-economic data was used for welfare schemes, but the caste data remained buried.

This led to a growing demand from political parties, social justice groups, and civil society that a comprehensive, scientific, and transparent caste census be conducted and its findings made public.

Why Now? What’s Driving the Demand Again?

New Government, Renewed Voices

The recent change in government and its promise to ensure “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” has reignited hopes that caste realities will be acknowledged, not ignored. Bihar’s caste survey conducted in 2023 set a powerful precedent by revealing detailed caste-wise data and linking it to socio-economic indicators. The bold step taken by a state government has put pressure on the Union government to follow suit.

Political Arithmetic and Social Justice

The demands from regional parties like RJD, DMK, JD(U), SP, and even sections within the Congress highlight how caste census is no longer a fringe demand it is a central electoral issue. The Mandal vs. Kamandal debate is resurfacing. The question is: can a modern democracy function with medieval data?

The Emotional Lens: What It Means to Be Counted

For millions belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Dalits, and marginalized communities, being counted is not just about numbers, it’s about acknowledgement. When a child from a backward community asks why his family still works as sweepers or farm laborers, despite promises of equality, the answer often lies buried in systemic neglect. A caste census is a step toward giving voice to that buried truth.

Benefits of a Caste Census

1. Evidence-Based Policy Making

Without data, policies are at best educated guesses. How can quotas be effective when we do not even know the current proportion of castes in various sectors such as education, employment, land ownership, urban migration, etc.?

A caste census would help:

• Reassess the effectiveness of reservations.

• Understand internal disparities within OBCs and SCs.

• Identify “most backward” groups who are currently invisible.

2. Correct Resource Allocation

Welfare schemes like PM Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, or MNREGA would become more targeted. It will ensure that the truly marginalized get the help they deserve.

3. Political Representation

Currently, representation in Parliament and state assemblies does not proportionally reflect caste demographics. A census would help in re-evaluating seat reservations and political inclusion.

4. Educational & Employment Opportunities

Understanding the gaps in access to higher education, professional courses, and employment sectors will allow tailored interventions.

5. Breaking the Myth of ’Caste-less’ Elites

Often, the so-called “general” category is treated as a homogenous block, masking the privileges they hold. A caste census will shed light on how privilege and power operate silently but effectively.

Criticism and Concerns

1. Perpetuating Caste Divisions?

Critics argue that caste census may deepen caste consciousness. But isn’t it hypocritical to fear counting something that continues to shape people’s lives daily?

We do not hesitate to collect data on religion, income, or education. Then why is caste, which influences all of these, treated like Voldemort—“He who must not be named?”

2. Political Manipulation

There is a valid concern that parties may use caste data to polarize votes. However, the misuse of data cannot be a reason to deny data. Transparency and independent verification can mitigate such risks.

3. Administrative Challenges

The complexity of caste names, sub-castes, and regional variations is daunting. But this cannot be a reason to give up. Technology, proper training, and pre-designed coding systems can handle these intricacies.

Judicial and Constitutional Standpoint

The Supreme Court in multiple judgments, including the Indra Sawhney case (1992), upheld caste-based reservations for OBCs but also recommended periodic reviews. How can such a review happen without updated data?

Moreover, Articles 15(4) and 16(4) empower the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes. To identify who they are, you need a caste census.

International Comparison

India is not alone. Countries like the USA collect detailed data on race and ethnicity. Brazil, with a history of racial inequality, conducts racial censuses to address affirmative action.

Why should India, which has one of the world’s oldest and most complex caste systems, shy away from data that can lead to equality?

The Way Forward: Ensuring a Scientific and Ethical Process

1. Data Integrity: The methodology must be transparent, standardized, and vetted by experts.

2. Privacy and Ethics: While data should be used for policy, individual identities must be protected.

3. Periodic Updates: Like economic surveys, caste data should be updated every 10-15 years.

4. Linking with Development Goals: Use caste data to track SDG targets, literacy, health indicators, and employment metrics.

5. Inclusion of Intersectionality: Gender, disability, region, and caste must be analyzed together to understand true marginalization.

A Cry from the Margins: Personal Stories That Demand Recognition

• Seema Devi, a domestic worker in Delhi, says her daughter was denied a school admission because her “background didn’t fit the standard.”

• Rahul Paswan, a brilliant graduate, failed ten job interviews. The reason wasn’t capability but the surname he carried.

• Fatima Sheikh, a teacher, often overlooked in promotions, reflects, “My veil and my caste both make me invisible.”

These are not isolated incidents they are everyday experiences of millions. Their stories demand a system that sees them, hears them, and serves them.

To Count Is to Care

The caste census is not a mere administrative task. It is a moral imperative. It is not about dividing India instead it is about healing it. To know is to accept, and to accept is the first step to change.

In a democracy, every citizen matters. But for too long, many have lived like shadows and unrecognised. The caste census is not about division, it is about justice, visibility, and hope.

The time has come. To count. To care. To correct the course of history.