Explainer: Caste Census – historical past, politics, and its significance at the moment
All castes have been enumerated throughout census workouts carried out in British India between 1881 and 1931, however on the time of the primary census of impartial India in 1951, the then authorities determined to not rely castes any extra aside from Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
A decade later in 1961, the Central authorities requested states to conduct their very own surveys and put together state-specific lists of OBCs in the event that they so wished. Over six a long time later now, and after calls for from a number of quarters and numerous Opposition events, the federal government has determined to incorporate caste enumeration within the subsequent nationwide census.
The final nationwide caste enumeration occurred in 2011 because the Socio-Financial and Caste Census (SECC) in a bid to collect detailed details about the socio-economic standing of households and people, together with their caste.
Here’s a take a look at historical past, politics, and up to date developments
What’s a caste census?
A caste census entails the systematic assortment of knowledge on the caste identities of people throughout a nationwide census train. In India, the place caste has traditionally formed social, financial, and political dynamics, such information can present insights into the demographic distribution, socio-economic situations, and illustration of varied caste teams. This info can be utilized to tell insurance policies on affirmative motion, reservations, and social justice.
What’s its historic context?
Caste enumeration in India has an extended historical past.
British India (1881–1931): The British colonial administration included caste enumeration in census workouts carried out each decade between 1881 and 1931. These surveys categorised the inhabitants by caste, faith, and occupation, offering detailed demographic information. The train was partly pushed by the colonial want to know and govern India’s advanced social buildings.
