Involving Social Organization for Caste-based Census in Bihar

Nine social organisations will carry out a campaign in Bihar to get the caste census done in a most “rational way” with population-wise representation and participation at all levels.

• Recently, it was decided that the castes and sub-castes of all religions will be counted in Bihar.

The history of counting caste

• The first census in India was held in 1872 by its then colonial rulers — the British.
  • One of the heads under which data was gathered was “caste” and this practice was continued till 1931.
• However, in 1941, caste-based data was collected but not published.
• After independence, India curtailed this exercise and from 1951, the only caste-wise data collected was on Dalits and Adivasis.

What’s the problem?

• The census has never counted OBC’s, the lower and intermediate castes, which according to the Mandal commission make up around 52 per cent of the country’s population.

Difference between caste-based census and SECC

• Benefit in Policy Making: A caste census, which will generate exhaustive data will allow policymakers to develop better policies, implementation strategies, and will also enable a more rational debate on sensitive issues.
• Distinguish Creamy layer in several Castes: Caste is not only a source of disadvantage; it is also a very important source of privilege and advantage in our society.
• To Address Prevalent Inequalities: Unequal distribution of wealth, resources and education has meant an acute shortage of purchasing power among the majority of Indians.
• Reduce Inclusion and Exclusion Errors: With accurate data of castes, most backward castes can be identified.