Union Cabinet Approves Caste Based survey in Upcoming Census
In a significant policy development, the Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the forthcoming national census. This decision, announced on Wednesday, marks a pivotal step towards obtaining comprehensive data on India’s diverse social fabric.
A Historic Policy Shift
The Cabinet’s approval to collect caste data during the national census represents a historic policy shift. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the caste data will be gathered in a “transparent and structured manner,” ensuring accuracy and openness in the enumeration process.
This move aims to provide policymakers with precise information, facilitating informed decisions on welfare programs and affirmative action initiatives.
Background and Previous Initiatives
Since India’s independence, caste data has not been part of the main census operations. In 2010, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured the Lok Sabha that the issue of including caste in the census would be considered. A Group of Ministers was formed to review the matter, and many political parties recommended caste enumeration. However, the Congress-led government at the time opted for a separate survey, known as the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), instead of including caste data in the official census.
Some states have independently conducted caste-based surveys. While a few were well-executed, others lacked transparency and were seen as politically motivated, leading to societal confusion and doubts. In light of these issues, the Union Government concluded that caste data should be collected as part of the national census.
Political Reactions and Criticisms
The decision has sparked political reactions across the spectrum. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticized opposition parties, particularly the Congress, accusing them of politicizing the demand for a caste census without genuine intent to act on it. He stated, “Congress and its alliance partners have used caste-based census only as a political tool. Their focus was never on actual data or welfare.”
Opposition parties have expressed support for the move, viewing it as a step towards social justice and equitable development. They argue that accurate caste data is essential for targeted welfare programs and affirmative action policies.
Implementation and Future Outlook
The Union Minister did not specify when the caste enumeration would commence. The national census, typically conducted every ten years, was originally scheduled for 2021 but has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and various technical and logistical challenges.
The inclusion of caste data in the census is expected to provide a clearer picture of India’s social structure, aiding in the formulation of policies that address the needs of various communities. It is anticipated that the data will be used to assess the effectiveness of existing welfare programs and to design new initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized groups.