Centre's nod to caste census after opposing for years was surprising

BJP and the Opposition will be trying to extract benefits in their own ways

- BY KALYANI SHANKAR

The caste census in India has sparked a lengthy debate.

People have different opinions about whether it will have good or bad effects. It could lead to both. Supporters believe the census will help disadvantaged groups and be a game changer. However, opponents argue that it gives false hope to these same groups. The term "caste" comes from the Spanish word "caste," which means "race" or "hereditary group.”

Amidst rampant speculation this week about a war with Pakistan following the tragedy in Pahalgam, the Modi government did a turn-around and chose to include the caste census in the 2021 census, a move that sparked surprise. While the government will include the caste census in the coming national population census, its timing has not yet been announced.

The last national data collection was the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), which assessed households’ socio-economic conditions and included caste information.

Why did the Modi government decide to go for the caste census? Those who oppose argue about the dangers around caste in the census. They point out that while case-based reservation has benefitted some, it has also been a bane and not a boon.

The BJP and the RSS opposed the measure, but the Congress party and other political factions supported it. The RSS said the caste census helps address the welfare needs of people but cautioned against using it for campaigning and electoral purposes. The decision was made after a decisive meeting between PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, following extensive discussions within the Sangh.