Caste Census: SC dismisses petition, calls for option to declare oneself 'casteless'
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition to halt the ongoing Census 2027, which includes a caste enumeration, with the Chief Justice of India emphasizing the government's need to identify backward populations for welfare. The Modi government announced caste enumeration in April 2025, a significant policy shift. Historically, independent India avoided caste enumeration to dismantle the caste system, but also used caste identities for positive discrimination, creating a paradox. The article highlights the long delay in the decennial Census (due in 2021) and the challenges of accurate caste enumeration, as seen in the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census. While a caste census can ossify identities, it can also aid in targeted welfare measures if combined with socioeconomic indices, and people should have the option to identify as 'casteless'.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court upheld the caste census, stating its importance for identifying backward populations and implementing welfare schemes.
- The Modi government reversed its previous stance to include caste enumeration in the Census 2027, the first since 1931.
- India's historical dual approach of seeking a casteless society while using caste for positive discrimination creates a policy paradox.
- The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census faced issues with data errors and usability.
- The article advocates for allowing individuals to declare themselves as 'casteless' in the census.
Exam Facts
- Census 2027 includes caste enumeration, first since 1931.
- Decennial population survey was originally due in 2021.
- Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011.
- Chief Justice of India supported the caste count.
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