EXIGENCY FOR CASTE CENSUS IN INDIA
In the history and social structure of India, a cosmopolitan and varied nation, caste has played a crucial role. Understanding the present distribution and status of distinct castes is essential for properly resolving caste-based discrimination, which has long been a problem. This has increased calls for a thorough caste census across the nation.
In India, caste has played a significant role in economic, social, and religious institutions for many years. Caste-based enumeration was started by the British colonial government during the census and persisted even after India attained independence in 1947. However, due to worries over abuse and the possibility for escalating divides, the government decided to stop collecting caste information in 1951.
In recent news the bihar has taken up the initiative of caste census in india, that was also controversial in the state itself because earlier it was carried out in the legal system challenging various issues that was mainly both that it infringed a citizen’s basic right to privacy and that the state lacked the authority to conduct such a poll are important defenses. Overall there was one more controversy: that this is mentioned in the union list and the state can’t conduct a census as mentioned in article 340 of the Indian constitution.
But apart from this why do we need this? As many political parties are favor in this and also in opposition of this because they think they will lose their political ground after that,
Caste census proponents contend that it is necessary for creating social justice-promoting policies that work. The government may create tailored programmes to improve marginalized populations by knowing the precise socioeconomic circumstances and demography of various caste groups. Accurate caste statistics would give decision-makers vital information about the persistent discrepancies in access to resources, employment, and education. To successfully address these inequities, policies and programmes must be tailored using this knowledge.
A caste census would make data-driven decision-making easier and allow for a more evidence-based approach to government. It would make it easier to pinpoint regions and populations in need of extra care and resources.
In many areas of India, there is still considerable caste-based prejudice. A caste census might offer useful information to pinpoint regions with the highest levels of prejudice, allowing the government to take effective action to resolve these problems. An unbiased and transparent caste census might help debunk misconceptions about caste demography. It would make sure that information is correctly gathered, processed, and analyzed, and that the results be made public.
There are strong reasons for both sides in the difficult discussion of whether or not India should perform a caste census. The government and decision-makers are ultimately responsible for making the choice. A caste census may offer insightful information on the socioeconomic and demographic environment, but it must be conducted with care and openness to prevent the data from being exploited to further polarize Indian society. Making an educated choice on this topic requires striking a balance between acknowledging privacy concerns and being aware of the difficulties marginalized people experience.
WRITTEN BY
SAPHAL HARPREET SINGH
STUDENT OF LEGAL STUDIES (OP JINDAL GLOBAL UNIVERSITY)