UNDERSTANDING THE CASTE CENSUS: A TOOL FOR EQUITY OR DIVISION?

 

A nationwide census, originally scheduled for 2021-22, has now been postponed to 2027. The notification for the census under section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, was released by the central government in the Gazette on 16 June. As per the schedule, the process will begin in the hill states (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Union Territory of Ladakh) by October 2026. The remaining states are expected to complete the exercise by March 2027. 

WHAT IS CENSUS?

A population census is a systematic process of collecting, compiling, analyzing, and disseminating demographic, economic, and social data pertaining to every individual in a country or region at a specific point in time.

It serves as a crucial tool for assessing the nation's development over the previous decade, evaluating the effectiveness of current government schemes, and framing future policies. It is crucial to note that the census acts as more than a headcount. Continued since 1881, and conducted every decade,  it offers a snapshot of the population that reflects its condition at a specific moment.

WHAT IS ITS SIGNIFICANCE

The census plays a foundational role in governance and development. In an age where "data is the new oil," its importance cannot be overstated.

• Policy & Planning: Census data helps evaluate existing schemes and determine resource allocation across sectors.
• Electoral Demarcation: It informs the redrawing of constituency boundaries and the allocation of reserved seats, ensuring fair and inclusive political representation.
• Business Insights: Private enterprises use census insights to gauge market potential and plan region-specific strategies.
• Finance Commission Grants: Allocation of central funds to states is based on demographic figures. Outdated data can skew equity and efficiency.

CONSEQUENCES OF A DELAYED CENSUS 

Relying on data from 2011 to formulate policies in 2025 is problematic because of the many reasons.

• Obsolete Demographics: Changes in migration patterns, fertility rates, and income levels make outdated data an unreliable basis for policymaking.
• Reservation Anomalies: Seat reservations, especially in rural areas with high migration, may no longer reflect the actual population structure.
• Unreliable Alternatives: In the absence of census data, the government turns to administrative records and surveys, which often lack uniformity and accuracy.

THE CASTE CENSUS DEBATE

The caste census remains one of the most deliberated aspects of the proposed national census in India. While Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been officially counted in every post-independence census due to their constitutional recognition, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have not been enumerated in any comprehensive manner since the 1931 Census, when caste-wise data was last fully published across communities.

This omission has resulted in a significant data vacuum, especially when policies like reservations and welfare schemes rely heavily on caste-based classification. The absence of accurate and updated population data hampers the formulation of effective and equitable policies. 

WHY THE HESITATION?

The central government has often cited practical difficulties and fears of social discord to avoid conducting a full caste census, arguing that it could reinforce caste identities and disturb social harmony. However, state-level initiatives such as those in Bihar and Karnataka reflect a growing recognition of the need for such data in order to ensure targeted and inclusive governance. The debate highlights a fundamental dilemma between the democratic need for evidence-based policymaking and the political and social complexities that caste enumeration entails.

OPINION: BEYOND IDENTITY POLITICS 

If you look into the intent of the constitutional makers to include reservations based on caste identities, you'll realize that the original intent of the policy was to reduce historical injustices. Studies have shown that political reservations do reduce rural poverty, especially where STs have strong local representation, though effects vary by group and context.

However, we can't ignore the fact that reservations can inadvertently reinforce caste identities and give rise to "creamy layer" dominance at the expense of weaker communities. It's not uncommon in India to hear about instances where a student from a very well-to-do family background gets the seat while a deserving candidate is just sidelined. It can unintentionally reinforce social hierarchies and impede societal development based on meritocracy.

What's more worrisome about this whole issue is that politicians at the national and state levels are demanding private sector reservations based on caste census data. Historically, caste has been one of the most crucial aspects of political behaviour in India, and politicians often use it to their advantage. But as we move towards a new era of Indian development, striving to become a developed nation by 2045, we really need to think—are we going to make our society more equitable, or more fragmented based on multiple identities?

India is known for its humongous diversity. Be it of language, religion, region, or culture. But in no way is caste identity going to help us in the long run. The government should either fix the loopholes in the prevailing reservation policies or devise a brand new way to uplift the lower strata of society. Because in no way is the current reservation system, with its numerous loopholes, efficient enough to solve either of the problems.

REFERENCES

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2. Bhelari, A. (2025, May 3). Caste census: Tejashwi writes to PM Modi, demands reservation in private sector and judiciary. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/caste-census-tejashwi-writes-to-pm-modi-demands-reservation-in-private-sector-and-judiciary/article69533378.ece
3. Census. (n.d.). Drishti IAS. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-30
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5. Jeelani, G. (2025, May 2). Caste Census: What it means, why it matters, and how it could be a political tinderbox? Mint. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/caste-census-what-it-means-why-it-matters-and-how-it-could-be-a-political-tinderbox-11746073675823.html
6. Suryavanshi, A., & Suryavanshi, A. (2025, June 19). Indias Census Explained: Why 2027 count matters & What the caste census debate is all about. Free Press Journal. https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/indias-census-explained-why-2027-count-matters-what-the-caste-census-debate-is-all-about
7. Tiwary, D. (2025, June 17). Explained: How India conducts its Census — and what is new in 2027. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-census-new-2027-10069544/