India’s Upcoming Census: What You Need to Know About Including Caste Details

NEW DELHI (AP) — India is set to include caste information in its upcoming census. This move could reshape the country’s social, economic, and political landscape.

Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this decision, emphasizing the government’s commitment to societal values. While he did not specify a start date for the census, the inclusion of caste details could stir discussions about increasing quotas for government jobs and educational opportunities for various caste categories, particularly the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Currently, quotas for OBCs make up 27% of the total, with an overall cap at 50%.

Caste is a crucial part of Indian society, influencing life and politics. Though there are numerous caste groups based on occupation and status, India has outdated data about caste demographics. Past governments have refrained from updating this information, fearing potential social unrest, while advocates argue that accurate data is essential for implementing social justice programs effectively.

A brief history shows that the British began counting castes in India during the 1872 census. However, since India’s independence in 1951, only Dalits and Adivasis have been counted in detail. The rest were classified as ‘general,’ leaving a significant gap in knowledge about the broader caste landscape.

The next national census was expected in 2021 but has been delayed due to the pandemic. The last census, conducted in 2011, counted over 1.21 billion people, including 201 million scheduled castes and 104 million scheduled tribes. As of April 2023, India has overtaken China as the world’s most populous country, with an estimated 1.425 billion people, according to the U.N.

With a key election approaching in Bihar, where caste issues are significant, the announcement comes at a pivotal time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party runs a coalition government in this state. Critics, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, have pushed for a caste count, arguing it is necessary for social equity. Recently, Bihar and Karnataka conducted their own caste surveys, which revealed higher numbers of backward castes, fueling demands for increased quotas.

Moreover, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are also considering caste surveys. Vaishnaw stated that including caste details will enhance transparency, although he pointed out that some states have conducted surveys for political advantages.

Caste alliances are vital for many political parties, including Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly among OBCs. Amit Shah, India’s Home Minister, hailed the census decision as “historic” and asserted it would empower economically and socially disadvantaged groups.

As the census approaches, insights from political analysts suggest this could be a turning point for how caste dynamics play out in Indian politics, potentially reshaping alliances and electoral strategies for years to come. Understanding these shifts will be crucial for both policymakers and citizens alike.

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Narendra Modi, India, India government, Rahul Gandhi, General news, South Asia, COVID-19 pandemic, Ashwini Vaishnaw, World news, Politics, Political and civil unrest, Amit Shah, Race and ethnicity, Race and Ethnicity