Cabinet Approves Caste Enumeration in Upcoming Census

In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet has cleared the way for the enumeration of caste in the upcoming decennial Census — the first time this will occur in Independent India. The Census, which will be conducted in digital mode for the first time, will include caste data in its second phase and is expected to significantly influence future policies, reservation structures, and parliamentary seat distribution.

Summary:

• First caste count since 1931 to be part of the official decennial Census.
• The Census will be digitally conducted via a mobile app with a drop-down caste directory.
• Will include all castes, unlike previous exercises that only counted SCs and STs.
• The 2021 Census is yet to be conducted, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A code directory will replace open-ended caste responses to avoid duplication.
• Data will inform the next delimitation of Lok Sabha seats and 33% women reservation implementation.
• Over 30 lakh officials will be deployed for enumeration.
• Political implications are high ahead of elections; Union Minister Amit Shah calls it a move for inclusion and justice.

Detailed Explanation for RAS Aspirants

1. Background:

• The last caste-based Census (other than SC/ST) occurred in 1931.
• In post-independence India, only SCs and STs were counted in the official Census.
• OBC data has only been projected based on estimates, notably from Mandal Commission (1980s) and SECC (2011).

2. Key Features of This Decision:

• The Caste Enumeration will be part of the statutory and official Census, unlike the SECC (2011), which was just a survey.
• A digital Census will be conducted for the first time via mobile apps.
• Enumerators will use a drop-down caste code directory to ensure data uniformity and minimize ambiguities.

3. Why It Matters:

• Policy Making & Social Justice: Real caste data will help in designing better-targeted welfare policies, especially for OBCs.
• Reservation Rationalization: Data could influence reservation percentages for OBCs, SCs, STs, and women.
• Delimitation Impact: The caste data, along with population and gender statistics, will aid in redrawing Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in the next delimitation.
• Women’s Reservation: The recently passed Women’s Reservation Act (33% seats for women) depends on updated Census and delimitation data.

4. SECC vs New Census Enumeration:

5. Technical and Administrative Aspects:

• Software testing is ongoing for the digital interface.
• Census will be conducted in two phases:
  • House-listing
  • Population enumeration (includes caste)
• Enumerators: 30 lakh+ government employees will be trained and deployed.

6. Political Context:

• The BJP claims this as a move towards inclusion.
• The Congress is being accused of blocking caste enumeration in previous governments.
• Upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections may be influenced by this announcement due to its caste-sensitive electoral landscape.

Conclusion:

The Union Cabinet’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming digital Census is a historic and strategic step that holds immense implications for India’s social justice, electoral representation, and public policy formulation. It marks a shift toward data-backed governance and aligns with constitutional mandates of equity and inclusion. For RAS aspirants, understanding its impact on reservation, governance, and delimitation is crucial.

MCQs:

1. What is the significance of the upcoming Census with respect to caste enumeration?
a) It will count castes for the first time after Independence
b) It will be conducted manually
c) Only SC and STs will be included
d) It will have no bearing on delimitation
Answer: a) It will count castes for the first time after Independence

2. Why is the use of a caste code directory important in the digital Census?
a) To keep the survey open-ended
b) To reduce the need for human enumerators
c) To prevent duplication and inconsistencies in caste names
d) To avoid counting OBCs
Answer: c) To prevent duplication and inconsistencies in caste names