Government explores options for caste enumeration in upcoming Census, faces RSS objections
With the population enumeration phase of the Census six months away, the Registrar General of India (RGI) is considering two options for caste enumeration: self-declaration or a drop-down menu of recognized castes. The self-declaration method risks repeating the 2011 Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) experience, which yielded over 46 lakh distinct caste names. The drop-down menu, based on existing caste lists, faces resistance from the RSS, which believes it would reinforce the caste architecture institutionalized during British rule, potentially dividing Indian society.
Key Points
- The RGI is deliberating between self-declaration and a drop-down menu for caste enumeration in the upcoming Census.
- Self-declaration previously led to an unmanageable number of distinct caste names in the 2011 SECC.
- The RSS objects to a drop-down menu, arguing it would entrench caste divisions from the British era.
- Caste enumeration is a sensitive political subject with potential ramifications, requiring careful methodology.
- The Census currently only captures castes for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Exam Facts
- Registrar General of India (RGI) is responsible for Census.
- 2011 Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) listed over 46 lakh distinct caste names.
- Last comprehensive caste census conducted in 1931.
- Census currently captures castes for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
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