The Need to Change How Caste is recorded in the Census

The Union Government has announced that the next decennial Census will be conducted in 2027, and for the first time since Independence, it plans to collect caste data as part of this massive demographic exercise.

• This decision revives the long-standing debate on whether caste enumeration in the Census is feasible, reliable, and effective for achieving social justice and inclusive policy planning.

How is the Census Conducted? (Structure of Census Operation)

The Census in India is conducted in two phases:

• House-listing Phase (Expected: April–September 2026): It included listing all houses/dwelling units and collects data on housing conditions, amenities, and assets.
• Population Enumeration Phase (Expected: 2027): It captures demographic, social, and economic characteristics of individuals (including gender, literacy, employment, disability, migration, etc.).
  • Caste enumeration, as per current plan, will be done in this phase.

Why is Caste Being Counted Now?

• The last comprehensive caste enumeration happened in 1931.
• Though the 1941 Census recorded caste, data was not processed due to World War II.
• Post-Independence Censuses only included Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)—not OBCs or general castes.

According to the government, caste data can help bring marginalised groups into the mainstream, enhance targeted welfare policies, and address development disparities between social groups.

Challenges in the Current Caste Enumeration Method

• Limited Scope of Questions: So far, the caste question is only asked to SCs, not to all. Caste-specific social and economic data is not fully captured.
• Lack of Linkage Between Housing and Socio-Economic Status: Since 1991, amenity-related questions (like electricity, water access, etc.) are in the House-listing phase, while caste and personal data are in the Population Enumeration phase.
  • The time gap (6–9 months) and different forms make data linking difficult, especially in urban areas or slums.
• Unreliable Employment Data: The question “whether seeking/available for work” is vaguely framed and lacks defined reference periods, resulting in poor data on unemployment by caste.
• Poor Quality of Fertility/Mortality Data: Census collects data on childbirth and survival, but these are better measured through NFHS, and caste-wise analysis is not meaningful here.
• Migration Data is Incomplete: Census data often underreports migrants, making it hard to assess caste-based migration trends.

How Can the Census Be Reformed for Better Caste Data?

• Redesign the Questionnaire: It is important to include all castes (not just SCs) in the caste question. Capture variables linked to education, employment type, income source, and age at marriage to understand inter-caste disparities.
• Shift Housing Data to Population Phase: Transfer questions on housing quality and amenities (currently in house-listing) to the population enumeration form, so they can be directly correlated with caste.
• Make Questions Clear and Measurable: There is need to define reference periods and standards for responses (especially for employment).
  • Drop redundant questions (e.g., mobile phone ownership) that add bulk but little analytical value.
• Build Stronger Enumerator Training: Ensure enumerators understand how to ask sensitive caste questions and correctly record answers, reducing biases or errors.

Why is this Important for Policy and Governance?

Without granular caste-wise data, it becomes difficult to:

• Identify the most backward groups who lack access to housing, education, employment, etc.
• Design effective reservation policies and targeted welfare schemes.
• Evaluate the impact of affirmative action and assess socio-economic mobility across castes.

Also, by enabling caste-based disaggregated statistics, India can develop more inclusive developmental indicators for health, education, sanitation, and urban housing.