Essay on Caste-Based Census in India : Implications for Social Justice & Policy Making

The caste-based census has emerged as a critical issue in India’s socio-political debate. While the decennial census collects data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, it does not record comprehensive figures for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other groups. The last full caste census was conducted in 1931, and since then, policies on reservations and welfare have been based largely on outdated estimates. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 attempted to gather such data but was not officially published in full due to accuracy concerns. The demand for such a census arises from the need to ensure accurate, evidence-based policymaking in a society where caste continues to influence access to resources and opportunities.

From the perspective of social justice, a caste-based census can help identify the real socio-economic position of different communities. It will show whether benefits of reservations and welfare schemes have reached the most disadvantaged or have been cornered by relatively advanced groups within the same category. Such data would enable course correction, ensuring that affirmative action truly benefits the weakest sections. It can also help recognize castes or sub-castes that remain outside the ambit of state support despite historical discrimination. It can identify communities still facing exclusion, thereby enabling targeted measures.

In policy making, caste data can play a transformative role. It will provide a reliable database to design targeted programs in education, healthcare, employment, poverty reduction and rural development. States like Bihar and Karnataka have conducted their own caste surveys to guide welfare policies and review reservation quotas. With precise data, governments can rationalize schemes, allocate resources more effectively, and ensure transparency in governance. For instance, identifying castes with low literacy rates can help frame focused educational programs. Such data could strengthen evidence-based decision-making.

However, challenges exist. A caste census may deepen identity politics, fuel social divisions, and create competition among groups for benefits. Ensuring accuracy and avoiding misuse of data will be critical. Balancing caste-based policies with broader goals of equality and national unity remains a sensitive task.

In conclusion, while a caste-based census is not free from risks, it can serve as an important tool for promoting equity, accountability, and effective governance. In conclusion, while a caste-based census is not free from risks, it can serve as an important tool for promoting equity, accountability, and effective governance.