Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Indian Polity
Topic: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States.
Context: Andhra Pradesh government kicked off its comprehensive caste census to enumerate all communities in the State.
Caste Census:
Enumerating the population based on their caste and sub-caste alongside other demographic details.
| Benefits | Issues / Concerns: |
| Identifying disadvantaged groups | Complex task and prone to errors |
| Addressing social inequality | Potential misuse for political gain or social discrimination. |
| Policy formulation- evidence-based policymaking | Social tensions and divisions |
| Historical and sociological insights | Legality is questioned |
History:
- Introduced in 1881 and continued till the 1931 census.
- Independent India’s governments abandoned full caste enumeration on the apprehension that
- it would strengthen caste divisions and perpetuate the caste system.
Even the OBC reservation, which was based on the Mandal Commission report, had extrapolated from the caste/community-wise population figures of the 1931 census and estimated OBCs to be 52% of India’s population.
Bihar Caste census:
- The Bihar government conducted a two-phase caste-based survey in 2023.
- However a PIL was filed because only the Union government can undertake a census, as per the Union List of the Seventh Schedule and Census Act, 1948.
- The Patna High Court upheld the validity of the survey and held that the state government is competent to conduct caste-based surveys.
Statements (Mains): “There is equality only among equals. To equate unequal is to perpetuate inequality.” – B.P Mandal Commission.
