Hindu Editorial Analysis : 9-September-2023

In recent news, the Union government of India has asserted its exclusive authority to conduct a census, responding to the Bihar government’s initiative to conduct a caste-based survey. This move has sparked a significant debate, with various stakeholders expressing their views on the matter.

Bihar’s Caste-Based Survey

Bihar’s state government launched a two-phase caste survey in January 2023, aiming to gather comprehensive socio-economic data to formulate more effective policies for disadvantaged groups. This survey, covering 38 districts and approximately 12.70 crore people, includes recording the economic status of families alongside their caste. The initial phase, involving house listing, was conducted from January 7 to 12, 2023, and the final report is expected in September, just ahead of the 2024 general election.

Centre’s Position

The Union government’s stance is that only they are entitled to conduct a census, as specified in the Census Act of 1948 and Entry 69 of the Union List in the Constitution. They emphasize their commitment to the welfare of SCs/STs/SEBCs and OBCs in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.

Relevance and Need for the Caste Count
  1. A Step Towards Equality:
    • Identifying underrepresented castes helps promote equality and social justice.
    • Supports the extension of reservations to various communities, ensuring progress for all.
  2. Updating Outdated Data:
    • The last caste census was in 1931, and relying on it fails to capture the changes in Indian demography.
    • The Rohini Commission faced difficulties due to data unavailability when examining OBC sub-categorization.
  3. Effective Service Delivery:
    • Accurate population estimates are crucial for targeted welfare programs.
  4. State Actions on Caste Data Collection:
    • States like Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana have conducted similar surveys, reflecting the demand for updated data.
  5. Popular Demand:
    • Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, among others, express support for caste-based census.
Criticisms
  1. Colonial Legacy:
    • Critics argue that caste data collection is rooted in the colonial “divide and rule” strategy.
  2. Privacy Concerns:
    • Concerns over privacy violations due to questions about religion, caste, and income.
  3. Potential for Increased Divisions:
    • Some believe that discussing caste perpetuates divisions rather than promoting unity.
  4. Demand for More Reservations:
    • Caste-based census may lead to increased demands for reservations, which have been in place for an extended period.
  5. No Constitutional Mandate:
    • Unlike SCs and STs, there is no constitutional mandate for providing OBC and BCC census figures.
  6. Practical Difficulties:
    • The government argues that the sheer number of castes and sub-castes in each state makes classification challenging.
    • Census data enumerators are part-timers with limited training, raising concerns about data accuracy and quality.
  7. Political Agenda:
    • Politics plays a significant role, with Bihar’s OBC-dominated politics being a central point of contention.
Way Ahead

The need for a caste census is underscored by India’s stark income disparity, with the wealthiest 10% owning a substantial portion of the country’s wealth. To bridge this gap, meaningful policies that address affirmative action and wealth distribution are essential. Understanding the caste and class dynamics can pave the way for targeted interventions that uplift the marginalized and underprivileged sections of society.

Why In News

In a recent response to the Supreme Court regarding the Bihar government’s caste-based survey, the Union government firmly asserted that the exclusive authority to conduct a census lies with the Centre. This reaffirmation of centralized census control underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining uniformity and accuracy in demographic data collection nationwide.

MCQs about Understanding the Caste-Based Census Debate in India

  1. What is the primary objective of the caste-based survey initiated by the Bihar state government in 2023?
    A. To determine the total population of Bihar.
    B. To collect socio-economic data to formulate better policies for disadvantaged groups.
    C. To identify the most affluent castes in Bihar.
    D. To assess the state’s infrastructure needs.
    Correct Answer: B. To collect socio-economic data to formulate better policies for disadvantaged groups.
    Explanation: The Bihar government’s caste-based survey aims to collect socio-economic data to create more effective policies for disadvantaged groups.
  2. According to the Union government, why do they have exclusive authority to conduct a census in India?
    A. Because it is mentioned in the Constitution of India.
    B. Due to the Census Act of 1948.
    C. Because they have the necessary infrastructure.
    D. As per the Bihar government’s request.
    Correct Answer: B. Due to the Census Act of 1948.
    Explanation: The Union government asserts its exclusive authority to conduct a census in India based on the Census Act of 1948.
  3. What concern has been raised by critics regarding the caste-based census?
    A. Fear of privacy infringement.
    B. Fear of caste-based violence.
    C. Concerns about government funding.
    D. Worries about international criticism.
    Correct Answer: A. Fear of privacy infringement.
    Explanation: Critics have raised concerns about privacy infringement due to questions related to religion, caste, and income in the caste-based census.
  4. Why is there a need for an updated caste census?
    A. To promote political agendas.
    B. To increase divisions among different castes.
    C. To ensure more effective delivery of targeted welfare.
    D. To maintain the status quo.
    Correct Answer: C. To ensure more effective delivery of targeted welfare.
    Explanation: An updated caste census is necessary to ensure more effective delivery of targeted welfare programs and to address the changing demography of the country.

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