Bihar Caste Census

Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have taken up caste census which is a caste-wise breakdown of India's population that includes all castes. Historically the British used to collect caste data however post-independence this practice was stopped. The Socio Economic Caste Census in 2011 studied socio-economic parameters but its results were never released as they faced concerns about reliability and errors. Arguments against a caste census include fears of reinforcing caste based divisions, privacy infringements, and a shift from crucial socio-economic indicators. Proponents emphasize its significance in policy formulation, tackling inequalities, and fulfilling constitutional mandates. The way forward involves interlinking data sources, robust data security measures, implementing commission recommendations, and leveraging AI for improved data synchronization.

Andhra Pradesh has become the second state, following Bihar, to take up the comprehensive caste census in January 2024. The Andhra Pradesh government will extensively deploy the village secretariat system and volunteer system for the caste census. The caste survey in Bihar found that 63% of Bihar’s 13 crore population belong to castes listed under the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories. Based on Caste Survey, Bihar government has increased reservation in jobs and education to 75% (including Economically Weaker Section 10%), breaching the 50% rule limit of Supreme Court set in Indra Sawhney case in 1992.

Caste Census: Caste census is inclusion of caste-wise breakdown of India’s population This demographic exercise aims to collect comprehensive data on the distribution of various caste groups within a given region or country. The caste census typically delves into social, economic, and educational parameters to understand the nuanced socio-economic landscape shaped by caste dynamics.

• Pre-independence: Every Census conducted by British Colonial Administration from 1881 to 1931 included caste data.
• Post Independence: Every Census in independent India from 1951 to 2011 has published data on SC and ST, but not on other castes such as those included under OBCs to prevent the strengthening of caste divisions and perpetuation of the caste system.
• Mandal Commission: Estimated the OBCs population to be 52%
• Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011: Aimed to study the socio-economic status of the rural and urban households and enumerate their economic and caste parameters.

SECC was first conducted in 1931 while Census is much older from 1881.

• Conducting Body: The SECC was conducted by the Ministry of Rural Development, not by the National Sample Survey Office (NSO) or Registrar General, raises concerns about its reliability. Draft data contains various errors and omissions. Also, The SECC experienced partial data releases and inconsistent enumeration.
• Legal Framework: Census is Conducted under the Census Act, 1948, while SECC does not have such a backing.
• Confidentiality of Personal Data: Personal data collected under the Census is confidential as per the Census Act. However, SECC Personal information is open for use by

1. Golden Key to understand the functioning of the labour market, wealth inequality and implementation of policy schemes.
2. Aid in Policy formulation: The caste estimates of 1931 are still being used as a basis for formulating welfare policies and there are concerns over data of SECC, 2011. Fresh caste census will generate relevant data for effective policy making
3. Tackling Inequalities: Caste census will aid in understanding the scope and depth of caste-based inequalities and impact on caste on equitable sharing of the fruits of development.
4. Interlinkage of caste: Caste census may aid in understanding how caste intersects with identities like class and region that plays a major role in determining opportunities and access to social capital, public and private resources.
5. Effective Monitoring: Monitoring of various policies of government such as affirmative action, reservation can be done using Caste Survey
6. Better understanding of Occupational Mobility: Caste in India is often associated with rigidity in Occupation, with some occupation being associated with castes, which has a direct impact on getting quality jobs, and profession choices in the labour market.
7. Constitution Mandate: Better fulfilment of Article 15(4) (to make special provisions for the advancement of backward classes) and Article 340 (appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes).
8. Judicial Pronouncement: Supreme Court have often stated strongly that appropriate data in the form of ‘quantifiable facts’ to back up the current levels of reservation is required.

1. Promote Caste Division: Conducting a caste-based census may reinforce and perpetuate caste identities, potentially exacerbating social divisions.
2. Infringes Privacy: Concerns about the privacy of individuals, especially given the sensitive nature of caste-related information.
3. Shift of Policy Focus: Caste data may shift away focus from more critical socio-economic indicators.
4. Strengthen Identity politics and caste consciousness based on primordial and discriminatory system.
5. Legal Challenge: Under the Seventh Schedule, Population Census is a Union subject.
6. Strengthen Reservation Politics: May lead to agitations for “proportionate” representation instead of “adequate” representation devised by Dr. Ambedkar. Eg. Bihar Govt increased reservation to 75%.
7. Caste is not static: The dynamicity of caste, as people’s identity change over time, may not be recorded properly in caste census.
8. Stand of Central Government:
   • Defective Data: Self-identification is unreliable, due to fear of losing the intended benefits of Government schemes, leading to defective data. SECC 2011 data is unusable due to technical errors
   • Administrative Complexity: Managing a census that includes caste can be administratively challenging.

Current status on legality: (Jan 2024)

The Patna High Court has refused to stay Bihar Govt’s increased reservation law and had sought its reply in the matter.

1. Interlinking of SECC, National Sample Surveys, NFHS, Census to provide a complete and broader picture of socio-economic realities of our nation.
2. Undertaking data security measures based on Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) of 2023 to ensure protection of privacy of citizens
3. Justice Rohini Commission report on Subcategorization of OBCs to provide representation to underrepresented subcastes of OBCs should be taken up and published.
4. Sachar Committee Suggestions: Creation of National Data Bank as a repository of data.
5. Formulation of a Data Utilization Plan: It will aid in designing policies and programs that directly address the identified needs of different caste groups
6. Extensive community engagement programs and Public awareness campaign to inform people about the purpose and benefits of the caste census.
7. Leverage AI and Big Data for better syncing of data and removing inclusion and exclusion error.

The decision to conduct a caste census is a multifaceted and nuanced one. A thoughtful and well-executed approach is essential, considering the historical context, legal frameworks, and societal implications. If undertaken, the caste census should be guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and a commitment to addressing historical injustices. The ultimate aim should be to leverage the insights gained for informed policy formulation, targeted development interventions, and the promotion of social harmony. Hence, it is imperative that any census aligns with constitutional principles, respects privacy, and contributes positively to the broader goals of inclusivity and equality in society.