Indian Government Considers Recording Caste in Upcoming Census | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Summary

The video discusses the possibility of adding a caste column to India's upcoming census, which was delayed due to the pandemic. The last caste census was in 1931, and reviving it now in 2024 is being debated. Advocates argue it could address caste-based inequality, while critics fear it may perpetuate divisions. Political motivations are evident, with some parties pushing for updated caste data to increase quotas beyond the 50% cap for marginalized groups. However, the effectiveness of such measures is questioned, as quotas alone haven't resolved deep-rooted issues of representation in jobs and education.

Takeaways

• 📅 The last caste census in India was conducted in 1931. The upcoming 2024 census may include caste data for the first time since then.
• 🗳️ The 2021 census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is now a debate about including caste as a category in the new census.
• ❓ The decision to include caste in the census is still pending. If implemented, it would document the caste of every Indian, including general, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
• 📊 The 1931 census found that 52% of India’s population belonged to OBCs. This data was never updated or published in subsequent censuses.
• ⚖️ There are two perspectives: one argues that a caste census perpetuates divisions, while the other claims it's essential to address social issues with accurate data.
• 👥 Caste politics play a significant role in India. Political parties often appeal to voters based on caste. Rahul Gandhi has promised to conduct a caste census if elected, and his party gained traction in recent elections.
• 🎓 India has caste-based reservations in education and jobs, capped at 50%. Some parties argue that the current caste data is outdated and quotas should be expanded beyond 50%.
• 📈 Bihar conducted its own caste survey in 2023, finding that 84% of its population belongs to marginalized castes, prompting political gains for local leaders.
• 🔍 The ruling BJP and its ideological parent, RSS, have been cautious about supporting or opposing the caste census, indicating the sensitivity and complexity of the issue.
• 🏛️ Legal challenges arise when states attempt to increase quotas beyond 50%. For example, Bihar's increased quotas were struck down by the state's High Court, and the issue remains in legal limbo.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a caste census in India?

A caste census records the caste of every Indian, including categories like General, Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The purpose is to gather data on caste demographics to address social inequality and political representation.

When was the last caste census conducted in India?

The last caste census was conducted in 1931, making it nearly a century since caste data was last collected on a national scale.

Why is there renewed interest in conducting a caste census in 2024?

There is renewed interest due to political and social justice reasons. Politically, caste still influences voting patterns, and the Congress party has promised a caste census if they come to power. Socially, it is argued that accurate data on caste distribution is necessary to address historical inequalities, especially for marginalized communities.

What are the two schools of thought regarding the caste census?

One school of thought argues that a caste census will perpetuate social divisions. The other argues that problems related to caste inequality cannot be addressed without proper measurement of caste demographics.

What were the findings of the last caste census in 1931?

The 1931 caste census found that 52% of India's population belonged to the Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Why is the state of Bihar significant in the discussion of the caste census?

Bihar conducted its own caste census in 2023, which found that 84% of its population belonged to marginalized castes. This data helped Bihar’s chief minister politically and has reignited discussions about increasing quotas beyond the current 50% cap.

What are the legal challenges associated with increasing quotas based on caste census data?

Although Bihar attempted to increase quotas from 50% to 65% after its caste census, the state’s High Court struck it down, citing the legal limit of 50%. The issue is still under judicial review.

How does the current quota system work in India?

In India, 50% of government jobs and seats in educational institutions are reserved for marginalized groups, with 15% reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST).

What are the issues with filling reserved seats in government jobs and universities?

Despite quotas, many reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Tribes remain unfilled. For instance, in Grade A government jobs, only 13% of the positions are filled by SC candidates and 5% by ST candidates. In central universities, only 11% of the teaching staff are SC, and 5% are ST.

What are the limitations of relying solely on quotas to address caste inequality?

While quotas can increase representation, they do not solve deeper problems like access to education and social integration. Without investment in these areas, quotas alone are insufficient to uplift marginalized castes.