The Government of India in 2025 reversed its long-standing policy by deciding to include caste enumeration in the upcoming 2027 national census. This marks the first official caste data collection since 1931. The decision comes amid political pressures, electoral dynamics, and growing public demand for accurate caste-based data to inform social justice policies.
Historical Background of Caste Enumeration
Caste data was last collected in the 1931 census. Post-independence, caste was excluded from the decennial census. The 2011 Socio-economic and Caste Census (SECC) gathered caste data separately but was not integrated into the main census and its results were never officially released. Earlier political opposition, including from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), opposed caste enumeration fearing social disharmony.
Political Dynamics Influencing the Decision
The BJP-led government initially opposed caste enumeration in parliament in 2021 but reversed its stance by 2025. This shift was influenced by electoral considerations, especially the Bihar assembly elections where caste census demands were strong. The Congress party’s advocacy for caste census also pressured the government, validated by its improved performance in the 2024 general elections. Several states like Karnataka, Bihar, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have conducted caste surveys, mostly under Congress-led governments.
Significance of Caste Census for Democracy
Caste enumeration is crucial for deepening democracy by addressing social inequality. It helps in recognising caste-based disparities and enables evidence-based policies for redistribution, representation, and reparation. Leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar and Ram Manohar Lohia viewed caste as a barrier to social unity and equal opportunity. Official caste data aids in dismantling caste hierarchies that undermine democratic ideals.
Technical and Social Implications of Caste Data
A caste census provides disaggregated jati-level data essential for reviewing and revising reservation categories such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). It supports delimitation of electoral constituencies and better targeting of welfare schemes. Political misuse of caste identities currently thrives due to lack of reliable data.
Caste and Religion – Complex Intersections
Caste is a secular social system that transcends religions but has often been misrepresented as a Hindu-only phenomenon. Caste exists within Muslim and Christian communities, affecting social status and access to resources. Recent caste surveys in Bihar and Telangana revealed detailed caste-based segmentation within Muslim populations, challenging the notion of religious homogeneity. This data helps expose the social realities behind communal politics.
Challenges and Vigilance for the 2027 Census
The caste elite across religions may resist transparent caste data due to fear of losing privileges. Historical precedents show political groups discouraging caste disclosure in censuses. It is vital that the 2027 census process remains impartial and free from political manipulation to ensure accurate and credible caste data collection.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of caste enumeration in strengthening democratic governance and social justice in India.
- Examine the impact of caste-based data on policy formulation and electoral representation in a diverse society like India.
- Analyse the intersection of caste and religion in India and its implications for social cohesion and communal politics.
- Estimate the challenges of conducting a caste census in India and suggest measures to ensure its impartiality and accuracy.
