The decision to conduct an all-India caste census (2026–27) along with a fresh delimitation of constituencies based on the 2021 Census marks a significant moment in post-independence India. It will be the first caste enumeration since 1931 to include all communities, and the first delimitation since 2001 to redraw the political map of India.
Implications:
Historical Context:
- Caste enumeration was first initiated in British India (1872) and systematized in 1901 under H.H. Risley, who used caste as a tool of social control.
- Post-independence censuses excluded caste enumeration, except for SC/ST categories, under the belief that caste consciousness would gradually fade in a democratic setup.
- However, policies like reservations have continued in the absence of updated caste data, largely based on the 1931 Census and Mandal Commission estimates (OBCs at 52%).
Implications for Governance and Policy
1. Evidence-Based Policymaking
- A caste census enables granular socio-economic mapping of caste groups.
- It will help identify backward and underrepresented communities among OBCs, SCs, and even upper castes.
- For example, The Bihar caste survey revealed that 36% of Bihar’s population is Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), allowing for more targeted schemes.
2. Rationalization of Reservation Policies
- Helps to review and restructure reservation policies by identifying communities that have disproportionately benefited.
- Can aid in sub-categorization within OBCs as per Justice Rohini Commission.
- It is in line with Article 340 empowers the government to examine the conditions of backward classes.
3. Better Welfare Delivery
- Allows more precise targeting of welfare schemes (e.g., housing, food, education).
- For example, In Bihar, as per the caste survey, 22.6 million people eligible under the National Food Security Act were excluded from entitlements due to outdated population data.
Implications of Delimitation Exercise
1. Electoral Rebalancing
- Delimitation using 2021 Census data is expected to shift political power toward northern states (e.g., UP, Bihar), which have higher population growth.
- Southern states (e.g., Kerala, TN), with successful population control, may lose relative representation in Lok Sabha.
- This could create federal tensions and challenges for cooperative federalism.
2. Changes in Political Representation
- Constituency redrawing will impact voter-to-representative ratios, potentially increasing political engagement in underrepresented areas.
- Could lead to increased political mobilization based on caste and population strength.
IV. Broader Socio-Political Implications
1. Deepening of Democracy
- Accurate caste data promotes inclusive governance by recognizing previously marginalized groups such as Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes, and subaltern OBCs.
2. Rise in Identity Politics
- Potential for new caste coalitions, political parties, and sub-caste mobilizations.
- Empowerment through data may trigger new social aspirations and demands.
3. Addressing Intersectionality
- Helps understand how caste interacts with gender, religion, and region, allowing multi-dimensional policy approaches.
Challenges and Concerns
1. Caste-Based Political Mobilization
- Parties may use the data for vote-bank politics, leading to polarization and competitive populism.
- For Example, Patidar, Jat, Gujjar agitations have already demanded reservation citing backwardness.
2. Hardening of Caste Identities
- May solidify caste consciousness rather than weaken it, hurting efforts toward national integration.
3. Administrative and Logistical Hurdles
- India has over 6,000 castes and 25,000+ sub-castes with different spellings and nomenclatures which is difficult to comply.
- There are challenges in standardization, classification, and verification.
4. Data Privacy and Stigmatization
- Disclosure of caste identity may lead to social stigma or exclusion.
- Risk of misuse if robust data protection frameworks are not in place.
Way ahead
1. Standardized Classification and Terminology
- Compile a national caste index through expert input (sociologists, anthropologists).
- Resolve synonymy and regional variations.
2. Training and Sensitization
- Enumerators must receive extensive training in ethical data collection and caste sensitivity.
3. Community Participation
- Involve caste/community organizations in verification and validation for legitimacy and trust.
4. Data Privacy Framework
- Ensure robust data protection laws to prevent misuse and stigmatization.
5. Depoliticization of the Process
- Frame the census as a tool for development and justice, not identity assertion.
Conclusion:
The 2026–27 caste census and delimitation exercise present a historic opportunity to democratize data, rationalize policy, and ensure equitable governance. If conducted transparently and sensitively, these measures can serve as powerful tools for inclusive growth, targeted welfare, and representative democracy. Rather than fragmenting society, it should be harnessed to strengthen India’s constitutional vision of equality, justice, and fraternity.
‘+1’ Value addition:
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 15(4), Article 16(4), Article 340.
- Important Reports: Mandal Commission (1980), Justice Rohini Commission, Sachar Committee (2006).
- Recent instances of surveys: Bihar Caste Survey (2023), Karnataka OBC Data (2023).
- Census is conducted at regular intervals of 10 years. Under Article 246 of the Constitution, the Census is a Union subject.
- Census has so far successfully enumerated 1,234 castes in the SC category and 698 tribes in the ST category.
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