Importance of Census for Addressing Discrimination

Context:

Peter Drucker’s quote, “Only what gets measured gets managed,” underscores the need for collecting data on group identities to effectively tackle discrimination. This is crucial for informed policymaking and fostering inclusive development. For instance, the lack of racial data in Germany’s census puts Black communities at a disadvantage. In response, the Afrozensus survey initiated by Black people in 2020 exposed the extensive, institutional anti-Black racism in Germany.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About the Census
2. Need for Caste Census
3. Arguments Against Caste Census
4. Case for OBC Inclusion in Census
5. Way Forward

About the Census

• The census provides information on size, distribution and socio-economic, demographic and other characteristics of the country’s population.
• The first synchronous census in India was held in 1881, and since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once every ten years.
• India’s last census was carried out in 2011 when the country’s population stood at 121 crores.
• The Census 2021 will be conducted in 18 languages out of the 22 scheduled languages (under 8th schedule) and English, and the option of “Other” under the gender category will be changed to “Third Gender”.
• For the first time data is proposed to be collected through a mobile app by enumerators and they will receive an additional payment as an incentive.
• The last caste-based census was conducted by the British in 1931.
• Arthashastra by ‘Kautilya’ written in the 3rd Century BC prescribed the collection of population statistics as a measure of state policy for taxation.
• In India, a census is conducted every decade and Census 2021 will be the 16th national census of the country.

Key facts about India’s census

• In India, the census was first started under British Viceroy Lord Mayo in 1872 and the first synchronous census in India was held in 1881. 
• It is being conducted at an interval of 10 years. 
• The decennial Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Census is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, of 1948.
• The population census is a Union subject under Article 246 of the Indian Constitution.
• It is listed as serial number 69 of the seventh schedule of the constitution.

Significance of census:

• Foundation of Statistical Analyses: A census generates primary and authentic data that forms the foundation for various statistical analyses. This data is crucial for planning, decision-making, and development initiatives across sectors like administration, economy, and social welfare.
• Planning and Development: Census data provides essential information for planning and development initiatives in various sectors. It helps policymakers, government agencies, and organizations to understand demographic patterns, population trends, and distribution of resources, enabling them to formulate effective strategies and allocate resources efficiently.
• Constituency Delimitation and Representation: Census data plays a vital role in demarcating constituencies and determining representation in government bodies. It helps in deciding the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Parliament, State legislatures, local bodies, and government services. This ensures proportional representation and promotes inclusivity in the political and administrative systems.
• Business and Industry Planning: Census data is valuable for business houses and industries as it helps them strengthen and plan their operations, especially for expanding into areas that were previously underserved. The data provides insights into population characteristics, consumer demographics, and market potential, facilitating business decisions and market penetration strategies.
• Grants and Resource Allocation: The Finance Commission utilizes population figures from census data to provide grants to states. The allocation of resources, funding, and development assistance is often based on the population data available from the census.

Need for Caste Census

Importance of Caste Data

• Social Structure Significance:
  • Caste remains a fundamental social structure in India, influencing various aspects like marriage patterns, residential segregation, and political representation.
  • Only about 5% of marriages in India were inter-caste as of 2011-12, highlighting the persistence of caste divisions.
• Policy Implications:
  • Constitutional provisions for social justice, including reservations, necessitate detailed caste data to ensure effective implementation.
  • Despite the Constitution mentioning class, caste has been judicially recognized as crucial for defining backward classes and supporting reservation policies.
• Benefits of Detailed Caste Data:
  • Helps rectify incorrect inclusions/exclusions in reservation categories.
  • Prevents dominant castes within reserved categories from monopolizing benefits.
  • Facilitates sub-categorization of castes and determines the creamy layer criterion.
• Control of Resources:
  • Without comprehensive caste data, elites among upper castes and dominant OBCs may disproportionately control national assets, income, and political power.

Arguments Against Caste Census

• Potential Social Division:
  • Critics argue that a caste census could deepen social divides.
  • However, historical census data on SCs and STs since 1951 has not led to conflicts among these groups.
• Administrative Feasibility:
  • Some opponents claim that caste enumeration would be an administrative nightmare.
  • Contrarily, enumerating caste is feasible and has precedent with successful enumeration of SCs and STs.
• Reservation Concerns:
  • Opponents fear that caste data could fuel demands for increased reservations.
  • In reality, detailed caste data could ensure fair and informed policymaking, curbing arbitrary reservation demands.

Case for OBC Inclusion in Census

• Educational and Public Employment Reservations:
  • OBCs are entitled to reservations in education and public employment under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution, akin to SCs and STs.
  • The Mandal Commission recommendations led to OBC reservations in the Central government.
• Electoral Representation:
  • Unlike SCs and STs, OBCs lack reservations in electoral constituencies for MPs and MLAs.
  • The 73rd and 74th Amendments mandate reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in panchayats and municipalities.
• Judicial Requirements:
  • Judicial interventions in states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have demanded caste-wise data for upholding OBC reservations in local elections.

Past Attempts and Challenges

• Failed Attempt in 2011:
  • The Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC)-2011, conducted outside the Census Act, 1948, failed due to poor design and execution.
  • The survey by Union Ministries lacked experience in sociological surveys and faced issues with questionnaire design and caste identification.

Way Forward

• Amendment of Census Act, 1948:
  • Amend the Census Act to mandate caste enumeration, removing executive discretion.
• Improved Survey Design:
  • Incorporate caste-related questions into the regular Census questionnaire.
  • Engage sociological and anthropological experts to compile and verify state-specific caste lists.
• Enhanced Data Collection Methods:
  • Utilize internet-enabled devices for efficient and accurate data collection, ensuring inclusion of sub-castes and caste surnames.

-Source: The Hindu