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The article addresses the persistent issue of caste-based disparities in India, highlighting stark inequalities in various sectors, from corporate leadership to manual scavenging and startup entrepreneurship. It questions whether these disparities are mere coincidences or the result of systemic discrimination, lack of opportunities, or socio-economic factors rooted in caste identity. The author references Rahul Gandhi's advocacy for a caste census as an “X-ray” of Indian society and the initial reluctance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, followed by a recent policy shift towards conducting a caste census. The focus then shifts to the Telangana 2024 Social Educational Employment Economic Caste Survey (SEEEPC), presenting it as a model for the central government. The SEEEPC involved surveying approximately 35 million people across 245 sub-castes, collecting 74 data points on each individual and household. This comprehensive data collection encompassed demographic, social, behavioral, discriminatory, educational, occupational, economic, political, and caste-related information. An expert group was subsequently appointed to analyze this dataset and provide a report on its findings. The article positions the Telangana survey as the most detailed exercise of its kind since the Mandal Commission in 1980, emphasizing its greater scope, size, and scale. It clarifies that a caste census goes beyond mere enumeration, involving the collection of diverse information to gain a holistic understanding of living conditions. Questionnaire design is crucial, requiring input from various stakeholders to account for India's social, geographical, and cultural diversity. Parameters like inter-caste marriage can reveal insights into social mobility. The author stresses that focusing solely on population shares is insufficient, and analyzing levels, trends, and disparities among caste groups is essential to understanding mobility and discrimination. The article also counters the argument that economic conditions at birth are more significant than caste, citing the Telangana exercise as evidence that caste plays a more substantial role in shaping life outcomes. Furthermore, it distinguishes between caste census and reservation, emphasizing that the former is a scientific empirical exercise while the latter is a policy tool to address historical disadvantages. The Supreme Court's rulings necessitate rigorous data and analysis to justify caste-based policies. The author concludes by welcoming the Modi government's decision to conduct a caste census as a step towards data-driven policy-making, acknowledging the pervasive influence of caste in India and suggesting that a caste census may offer a solution.
The Telangana model highlights several crucial elements for a successful caste census. Firstly, the scale and scope of data collection are paramount. The SEEEPC survey, with its 74 points of information collected from each household, provides a far more detailed and nuanced picture than a simple enumeration of caste populations. This depth of data allows for the identification of specific challenges and disparities faced by different caste groups, going beyond surface-level observations. Secondly, the involvement of diverse stakeholders in the design of the questionnaire is essential. The article emphasizes the need for input from citizen groups, sociologists, anthropologists, historians, empiricists, and civil society organizations to ensure that the questions are culturally sensitive, relevant to local conditions, and capable of capturing the complexities of caste dynamics. A “people census,” as advocated by Rahul Gandhi, necessitates this collaborative approach. Thirdly, the analysis of the data must go beyond simply identifying population shares. The focus should be on understanding the levels, trends, and disparities among caste groups in various aspects of life, such as education, occupation, and social mobility. This requires sophisticated statistical analysis and the interpretation of qualitative data to uncover the underlying causes of inequality. Fourthly, transparency and objectivity are crucial to ensure the credibility of the census. The data collection and analysis processes should be open to scrutiny, and the findings should be presented in a clear and unbiased manner. This will help to build trust in the census results and ensure that they are used to inform policy decisions effectively. The Telangana experience demonstrates that a well-conducted caste census can provide valuable insights into the socio-economic realities of different caste groups and inform the development of targeted policies to address inequality and promote social justice.
The central government can leverage the lessons from Telangana to conduct a national caste census that is both comprehensive and impactful. The initial step would involve the formation of a high-level committee of experts to design the questionnaire and oversee the data collection process. This committee should include representatives from diverse fields, including sociology, anthropology, economics, statistics, and law, as well as members of civil society organizations and representatives from different caste groups. The questionnaire should be designed to capture a wide range of information, including demographic data, educational attainment, occupational status, income levels, access to resources, social mobility, experiences of discrimination, and participation in political and social life. The data collection process should be conducted in a transparent and efficient manner, using technology to streamline the process and minimize errors. Enumerators should be trained to be sensitive to the cultural nuances of different caste groups and to ensure that all respondents are treated with respect and dignity. Once the data has been collected, it should be analyzed by a team of experts to identify patterns of inequality and develop policy recommendations. The analysis should focus on understanding the underlying causes of caste-based disparities and identifying interventions that can effectively address these challenges. The findings of the census should be widely disseminated to the public, and policymakers should be held accountable for using the data to inform their decisions. The caste census should not be viewed as an end in itself, but rather as a tool to promote social justice and create a more equitable society. By using the data collected through the census to develop targeted policies and programs, the government can help to empower marginalized caste groups and create opportunities for all citizens to reach their full potential. The successful implementation of a national caste census will require strong political will, a commitment to transparency and objectivity, and the involvement of diverse stakeholders. However, the potential benefits of such an exercise are significant, and it could play a crucial role in building a more just and equitable India.
Source: How to conduct a caste census: Lessons from Telangana for Centre