Present Facts about Census and Caste Census:
- Union Budget 2024-25 allocated about 1309 crore for conducting the census.
- A delay in the 2021 census could delay in updation of the NPR ( National Population Register), NRC ( National Register of Citizens) data, and other government benefits.
Present Facts of Caste Census:
- The Bihar released findings of the Caste Survey, 2023.
- Union Government rejected conducting caste census in India.
- The union government did not publish caste-related data from the Census 2011.
- Justice Rohini Commission ( 2017) recommended sub-categorization of OBC ( other Backward castes) based on socioeconomic status.
Prelims Facts about Census:
- The known Census in British India was conducted in 1840 in Dhaka (present-day Bangladesh) by Henry Walter. Henry Walter is known as the father of the Indian Census.
- 1872: Census started under Viceroy Lord Mayo.
- 1881: The first Pan India Census
- Until 1931: Caste Census was conducted
- Post-1951: The collection of caste data was stopped to move away from a divisive approach and promote national unity.
- Responsibility: The office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has the responsibility to conduct the census.
Census provides information about:
- Population( Size, distribution, demographic)
- Literacy & Education
- Urbanization
- Fertility and Mortality
- Socio-economic status
- Central Government publishes data only related to scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population, not for OBC ( Other Backward Classes).
Significance of Caste Census:
- Constitutional Mandate ( Article 340: Investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes)
- A caste census can address social inequality and can uplift marginalized communities.
- Ensure equitable distribution of resources
- It can provide comprehensive pictures of Indian society
Negative sides of caste census:
- It reinforces the caste system.
- Difficult to define and make the hierarchy of castes.
- It may lead to social division.
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