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The caste census is a detailed demographic survey that records the caste-based distribution of the Indian population. While the general Census of India is conducted every 10 years, a caste census specifically gathers data on social groups, their economic status, and their access to resources.
This data is often used for policymaking, affirmative action, and welfare distribution, but it has also sparked political debates around reservation, representation, and identity.
The first caste enumeration in India dates back to 1931, during British rule. Since then, caste has been omitted from the general census, except for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
After independence, governments shied away from including caste data fearing it would deepen social divisions. However, regional demands, especially from states like Bihar and Karnataka, reignited the debate.
In recent years, Bihar took the national spotlight by conducting its own caste-based survey in 2023, followed by Karnataka’s caste census efforts in 2024. The Bihar caste census revealed significant disparities among Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), fueling calls for updated reservation quotas.
Karnataka’s report, prepared under the Kantharaj Commission, is expected to be tabled in the state assembly soon, making it one of the few states to take such a decisive step in the post-independence era.
With the 2025 general elections approaching, caste data has become a key political issue. National parties are debating whether a nationwide caste census should be included in the next official enumeration. The demand has gained momentum as leaders argue that without data, social justice policies remain imbalanced.
The Union Cabinet’s recent discussions and the Law Ministry’s remarks have added urgency to the topic.
Census enumeration refers to the systematic counting of people, households, and other demographic indicators. In the context of caste, this means identifying and categorizing various social groups often a complex and sensitive task.
Unlike the routine census, caste enumeration requires socio-economic profiling, which brings challenges around accuracy, privacy, and political implications.
Understanding caste census meaning and its role in modern India is crucial. It's not just a data exercise it directly impacts social justice, public policy, and representation. As states like Bihar and Karnataka push ahead with independent caste surveys, the rest of India watches closely.