As India approaches its upcoming general elections, the demand for a caste-based census has reignited fierce political debates. While some argue it’s essential for achieving true social justice, others caution it could deepen existing divides.
What is a Caste Census?
A caste census is a government survey that collects data on the various castes within the population. The last comprehensive caste-based count was conducted in 1931, and since then, population statistics have largely been caste-neutral except for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes data collected during the Census.
Political Reactions & Party Positions
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Opposition Push: Several regional and national opposition parties, especially from states like Bihar and Tamil Nadu, have demanded an updated caste census to better allocate government schemes and reservations.
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Government Stance: The central government has expressed reservations, stating that a caste census (other than SC/ST) is complex and could disrupt social harmony.
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Bihar Initiative: The Bihar government recently released findings of its own caste-based survey, drawing national attention and encouraging similar initiatives in other states.
Why Now?
With elections nearing, many political observers believe that caste data could reshape electoral strategies, helping parties understand voter demographics more accurately and tailor their campaigns accordingly.
The Social Justice Angle
Supporters argue that without updated caste data, policies related to reservations, welfare schemes, and economic upliftment are incomplete and often ineffective. They claim a fresh census is the only way to achieve inclusive governance.
Critics Warn of Risks
However, critics of the idea warn that a detailed caste census may lead to political polarization, caste-based appeasement, and deepen divisions instead of bridging them.
