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Caste Census-Merits and Demerits | Negative Side of Caste Census | UPSC MAINS General Studies

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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