Why in the News?

Despite growing concerns, India’s decadal Census has been delayed by over three years. In fact, there is an overwhelming misconception among officials about substituting the Census with alternative ways and means of counting the population.

Significance of Calculating Census

• Comprehensive Population Data: The Census provides a detailed population count, which includes locational, familial, and individual information.
  • For instance, the Census can reveal insights into population density, age distribution, educational attainment, and employment status.
• Foundation for Surveys and Indicators: The Census acts as a foundational frame for large-scale surveys like the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). 
• Support for SDG Monitoring: In the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Census data is crucial for generating accurate indicators, particularly those requiring disaggregated data below the sub-national level.
  • For instance, to monitor progress on goals related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and health, precise demographic data is necessary to identify disparities and target interventions effectively.
• Demographic Transition Insights: The Census is vital for capturing changes in population composition, familial structures, and occupational distribution, especially during periods of rapid demographic transition.
• Global Implications: Given India’s significant influence on global population trends, accurate Census data is crucial for global demographic studies and projections.
  • For example Global Health Security Index and Multidimensional Poverty Indices.

Changes to understand before taking Census Count

• Population Dynamics: Since the last Census, significant changes in population count and composition must be understood, including shifts due to migration, fertility, and mortality rates.
  • For example: In India, the average annual growth rate of the population has slowed from 2.2% in 1971 to 1.1% in 2021, with projections indicating further declines to 0.58% by 2036.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has had a profound impact on health, employment, and livelihoods, which need to be accurately captured in the Census.
  • For example, The Indian government reported over 500,000 COVID-19 related deaths, which have affected overall mortality statistics and health indicators.
• Socio-economic Transformations: Changes in education, occupation, and employment patterns over the last decade are crucial to understanding current societal trends.
  • For example, The literacy rate in India has improved significantly, rising from 64.8% in 2001 to 77.7% in 2011, with further increases expected.
• Infrastructure and Development Changes: The transformation in physical and digital infrastructure, as well as regional development patterns, must be considered to accurately reflect the current state of the nation.
  • For example, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, with a reported increase in internet users from 560 million in 2019 to over 800 million in 2022. This digital transformation has reshaped how people work and access services.

Demand for Caste Census in India

• Political Motivations: The demand for a caste Census is largely driven by political interests, aiming to establish differential entitlements based on perceived representation and deprivation.
  • For instance, leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) have emphasized the need for a caste Census
• Historical Context: Caste auditing was part of earlier Census exercises but was discontinued for specific reasons.
  • For example, Caste auditing was part of earlier Census exercises, with the British-era Censuses from 1881 to 1931 enumerating all castes. However, after independence, the Government of India decided not to enumerate castes in the 1951 Census, except for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• Assessment of Mobility: There is a lack of systematic assessment of social mobility in education and occupation across caste lines, despite decades of affirmative action. A caste Census could potentially address this gap but is viewed with skepticism.
  • For instance, while reservations exist for OBCs and SCs, the actual impact on social mobility remains unclear due to insufficient data.

Way forward: 

1. Incorporation of Caste Data: Need to amend the Census Act of 1948 to mandate the enumeration of caste data alongside other demographic information. This would provide a legal framework for collecting comprehensive caste-wise data.
2. Independent Studies and Pilot Surveys: The government should conduct independent studies at district and state levels to gather data on castes and sub-castes.

Mains PYQ: 

Q Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (2020)

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now