Checkbox caste, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The rehearsal for the second phase of Census 2027 is currently underway in 16 States and Union Territories.
• This pre-test includes an "open column" for respondents to state their caste, with statutory backing for its enumeration.
• The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), which also had an open-ended caste feature, resulted in over 46 lakh "caste names" and unusable data.
• The pre-test, ending on July 20, aims to finalize the methodology for accurate caste counting.
• A proposed method involves using digital devices with pre-loaded, curated lists of castes and sub-castes, similar to the 2022-23 Bihar caste survey.

Detailed Insights:

• The Centre had informed the Supreme Court in 2021 that the 2011 SECC figures were too error-ridden to be relied upon for reservation.
• The last Census to tabulate caste, in 1931, recorded 4,147 caste names, significantly fewer than the 2011 SECC's outcome.
• The Constitution of India is committed to social justice, abolishing untouchability and forbidding caste-based discrimination.
• Counting caste is rationalized as a means to address social inequities and inform welfare and social justice measures.
• Empirical caste data can help in sharper targeting of welfare and affirmative action, and in addressing the creamy layer concept.
• Such data is also indispensable for the sub-categorization of castes and classes already benefiting from reservation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Census: An official enumeration of the population, typically conducted periodically, gathering demographic and social data.
• Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC): A comprehensive survey conducted in India to collect data on the socio-economic status and caste of households.
• Creamy Layer: A concept that excludes individuals from reservation benefits if they belong to the affluent section of a backward class.
• Affirmative Action: Policies designed to address past and present discrimination by providing preferential treatment to historically disadvantaged groups.