Central Idea

• The Bihar government recently released the results of its caste survey, shedding light on the state’s demographic composition and caste dynamics.
• This survey, the first of its kind since 1931, carries significant implications for politics, reservations, and electoral strategies in Bihar.

Bihar Caste Survey

• Caste Demographics: The survey reveals the following caste composition in Bihar:

• 1. Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) – 36.01%.
  2. Other Backward Classes (OBCs) – 27.12%.
  3. Scheduled Castes (SCs) – 19.65%.
  4. Scheduled Tribes (STs) – 1.68% (most STs are part of Jharkhand since 2000).
  5. “Unreserved” (Forward Castes) – 15.52%.

• Population Increase: Bihar’s population, according to the survey, is 13,07,25,310, compared to 10.41 crores recorded in the 2011 census. Hindus make up 81.99%, while Muslims constitute 17.72%. Other religious denominations have minuscule populations.

Survey Process

• Political Consensus: The decision to conduct the caste survey was made following an all-party meeting in June 2022, with a budget allocation of Rs 500 crore from the contingency fund.
• Survey Phases: The survey occurred in two phases:

• 1. The first phase involved counting households in January.
  2. The second phase, starting in April, aimed to collect caste, religion, economic, and family data.

• Legal Challenge: The Patna High Court initially halted the survey, but it later resumed after the state clarified it was a “survey” and ensured data privacy.

Significance

• Changing Political Landscape: The politics of identity tied to reservations and backward caste assertion has evolved. The BJP’s appeal to OBCs has transformed the political landscape.
• Opportunities for Backward Classes: Survey results may provide an opening for parties like JD(U) and RJD to mobilize backward classes. The Opposition alliance could use this data to push for a nationwide caste census.
• Increased Quotas: The survey could fuel demands for expanding OBC quotas beyond 27% and creating sub-quotas for EBCs. The recommendations of the Justice Rohini Commission are expected to influence this debate.
• Reservation Ceiling Debate: The data may reignite discussions on the 50% reservation ceiling imposed by the Supreme Court in 1992, a contentious issue in various states.

Electoral Impact

• Vote Bank Dynamics: EBCs, OBCs, and SCs, constituting over 82% of Bihar’s population, will be a crucial vote bank in upcoming elections.
• Leadership Dynamics: Leaders like Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar have historically represented OBCs, EBCs, and Dalits. The BJP’s electoral strategy in Bihar will likely emphasize the Prime Minister’s OBC background.
• Electoral Battles: Political parties will fiercely compete for the support of these influential caste groups, making Bihar a battleground state with complex caste dynamics.

Why discuss this?

• Caste Data in Census: Since India’s independence in 1947, every census until 2011 has published data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Caste data was available in censuses before 1931.
• 1941 Exception: In 1941, caste-based data was collected but not published due to World War II, as per M.W.M. Yeats, the Census Commissioner at that time.

Demand for a Caste Census

• Recurring Demand: The demand for a caste census surfaces before almost every census, primarily driven by groups belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other deprived sections, while it faces opposition from upper-caste sections.
• Contemporary Demand: In recent times, opposition parties, especially during Census 2021 delays, have vociferously called for a caste census, focusing on “social justice” as a common rallying point.
• Political Support: Many politicians have advocated for the release of data from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011. They also called for a caste census and the removal of the 50% cap on SC/ST/OBC reservations.

Centre’s Stand

• Government Policy: The Indian government has consistently decided not to enumerate caste-wise populations, except for SCs and STs, as a matter of policy.
• Policy Shift: However, in August 2018, following a meeting chaired by then-Home Minister, it was stated that data on OBCs would be collected during Census 2021.
• RTI Response: When questioned about the meeting’s minutes, the Office of Registrar General of India (ORGI) claimed they did not maintain records of deliberations on this matter before the Ministry of Home Affairs’ announcement.

Conclusion

• A caste-based census is against the idea of a casteless society envisaged by leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Constitution and will weaken ongoing efforts to create social harmony.
• While proponents argue for better representation and targeted policies, opponents emphasize the importance of moving towards a casteless society.

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