The Caste Census in India has been important topic in socio-economic discussions. The last comprehensive data collection on individual castes was part of the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) conducted between 2011 and 2013. This exercise aimed to gather detailed information on the socio-economic status of households across the country. The SECC followed the Census of 2011, which did not include disaggregated caste data.
Historical Context
Caste data collection in India dates back to the 1931 Census. Since then, the collection of disaggregated caste data has faced numerous challenges. The 2011 Census did not provide detailed caste information. The SECC aimed to fill this gap by gathering data on various caste groups. However, the results were only partially published, leaving gaps in available data.
Objectives of the SECC
The SECC was designed to assess the socio-economic status of households. It aimed to rank households based on predefined parameters. This data would assist in policy-making and implementation of development programs. The SECC focused on both urban and rural households, collecting information on living conditions and economic activities.
Methodology of Data Collection
The SECC was conducted through a nationwide door-to-door enumeration. The process began on June 29, 2011. Enumerators collected data from approximately 24 lakh enumeration blocks. Each block typically contained around 125 households. This extensive coverage ensured a comprehensive dataset.
Key Features of the SECC
The SECC included questions on various socio-economic aspects. It sought information on gender, marital status, religion, literacy, and economic conditions. Unlike the Census, the SECC specifically asked about caste and tribe status. Respondents could identify as Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other.
Data on Disability and Health
The SECC collected detailed information on disabilities and illnesses. It asked about the nature of disabilities, including sight and hearing impairments. Additionally, it gathered data on diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis. This information is vital for understanding the health challenges faced by different caste groups.
Urban vs Rural Data Collection
The SECC differentiated between urban and rural households. In urban areas, it collected data on the main source of income. This ranged from street vending to formal employment. In rural areas, it focused on agricultural practices and land ownership. This distinction allowed for a nuanced understanding of economic conditions across different settings.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the extensive data collected, the release of comprehensive caste data remains a challenge. The government has indicated plans to include caste data in the upcoming Census 2021. This step aims to provide a clearer picture of the socio-economic landscape in India.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of caste-based data collection on social policy in India.
- Critically discuss the significance of the Socio Economic and Caste Census in understanding socio-economic disparities.
- Estimate the role of caste in shaping economic opportunities in contemporary India.
- Point out the differences between the Census of 2011 and the Socio Economic and Caste Census in terms of data collection methodologies.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of caste-based data collection on social policy in India.
- Data collection informs targeted welfare programs for marginalized communities.
- It helps identify socio-economic disparities, guiding resource allocation.
- Facilitates affirmative action policies aimed at SCs and STs.
- Promotes awareness and social justice initiatives based on empirical evidence.
- Enhances accountability of government schemes and their effectiveness in addressing caste inequalities.
2. Critically discuss the significance of the Socio Economic and Caste Census in understanding socio-economic disparities.
- SECC provides detailed vital information about the living conditions of various caste groups.
- It marks disparities in access to resources and opportunities among different castes.
- Data informs policies aimed at reducing inequality and promoting inclusivity.
- Helps in tracking progress of development initiatives over time.
- Shifts focus from broad categories to specific caste issues, enabling targeted interventions.
3. Estimate the role of caste in shaping economic opportunities in contemporary India.
- Caste influences access to education and employment opportunities.
- Social networks within castes can impact job availability and business opportunities.
- Discrimination based on caste affects income levels and job security.
- Government policies can either mitigate or reinforce caste-based economic disparities.
- Changing social attitudes and economic reforms are gradually reshaping caste dynamics.
4. Point out the differences between the Census of 2011 and the Socio Economic and Caste Census in terms of data collection methodologies.
- Census 2011 did not collect disaggregated caste data; SECC specifically asked for caste details.
- SECC utilized door-to-door enumeration, while Census 2011 focused on demographic data.
- SECC included comprehensive socio-economic questions beyond basic demographics.
- Personal data in Census is confidential; SECC data is accessible for policy use.
- SECC aimed for a broader socio-economic assessment, including health and disability data.
