Why a Caste Census is the Need of the Hour: Measuring for Justice

“Only what gets measured gets managed.” This timeless adage underscores the urgent need for a caste census in India. For too long, the absence of comprehensive caste data has allowed policymakers and those in power to sidestep the stark inequalities that persist across caste lines. A caste census is not just a statistical exercise; it is a moral and practical imperative to confront systemic inequities, ensure equitable resource allocation, and foster inclusive development. Yet, resistance to such a census often stems from a convenient ignorance — a bliss that serves those who benefit from maintaining the status quo.

The Case for a Caste Census

India’s social fabric is deeply interwoven with caste, a hierarchical system that continues to shape access to education, employment, healthcare, and political representation. While the last comprehensive caste census was conducted in 1931 under British rule, the decennial census since independence has limited itself to collecting data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This leaves a significant gap in understanding the socio-economic conditions of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other caste groups, which constitute a substantial portion of the population.

Without granular data, policies aimed at addressing caste-based disparities often rely on outdated estimates or assumptions. For instance, the Mandal Commission’s recommendations in the 1980s, which shaped OBC reservations, were based on projections rather than hard data. A caste census would provide an accurate picture of the population distribution, economic status, and educational attainment of various caste groups, enabling evidence-based policymaking.

Addressing Systemic Inequities

Caste remains a key determinant of opportunity in India. Studies, such as those by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), show that upper castes, despite being a numerical minority, dominate leadership positions in politics, bureaucracy, judiciary, and corporate sectors. Meanwhile, lower castes and OBCs face disproportionate poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to quality education. A caste census would quantify these disparities, holding a mirror to the structural inequalities that rhetoric alone cannot address.

For example, reservation policies in education and jobs are often criticized as either inadequate or overly generous, depending on one’s perspective. Without current data, these debates remain speculative. A caste census would reveal whether reservations are reaching their intended beneficiaries and whether they are proportionate to the population and socio-economic needs of marginalized groups. It would also inform whether new affirmative action measures are needed for castes that remain underrepresented.

Empowering Inclusive Development

A caste census is critical for ensuring equitable resource allocation. Government schemes, from scholarships to rural development programs, often fail to reach the most marginalized due to a lack of targeted data. For instance, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data shows that OBCs and SCs have lower access to credit and land ownership compared to upper castes. A caste census would enable governments to design interventions that address these specific gaps, ensuring that development benefits are not monopolized by a few.

Moreover, caste data can enhance the effectiveness of welfare programs. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) of 2011, though incomplete and not fully utilized, provided insights into rural deprivation across caste lines. Expanding and institutionalizing such efforts would allow for real-time tracking of progress, ensuring that no community is left behind in India’s growth story.

The Politics of Ignorance

Despite its necessity, the idea of a caste census faces resistance from certain quarters. Some argue it would deepen caste divisions, but this ignores the reality that caste already shapes everyday life in India — whether in marriage, politics, or economic opportunity. Others claim it is administratively burdensome, yet India routinely conducts complex exercises like the Aadhaar rollout and GST implementation. The real resistance often lies in the fear of accountability.

For those in power, ignorance is bliss. A caste census would expose uncomfortable truths about the concentration of privilege and the persistence of exclusion. It could challenge entrenched power structures, demanding a redistribution of resources and opportunities. Political parties, wary of alienating dominant caste groups, often shy away from endorsing a caste census, preferring vague promises of social justice over concrete action.

Overcoming Resistance

The demand for a caste census has gained momentum in recent years, with several states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh conducting their own caste surveys. These efforts, while commendable, are fragmented and lack the authority of a national census. The Union government must take the lead, integrating caste data into the 2031 Census (or earlier, through a special exercise) to ensure uniformity and credibility.

Public awareness is key to overcoming resistance. Civil society, media, and grassroots movements must emphasize that a caste census is not about perpetuating caste but about dismantling its oppressive legacy through informed policy. It is about ensuring that every Indian, regardless of caste, has a fair shot at progress.

Conclusion

A caste census is the need of the hour because it aligns with the principle that “only what gets measured gets managed.” By providing a clear picture of caste-based disparities, it would empower governments to craft policies that uplift the marginalized and foster true equality. The reluctance to conduct such a census reflects a desire to preserve the status quo, where ignorance shields those in power from accountability. India cannot afford this complacency. A caste census is not just a tool for data collection — it is a step toward justice, inclusion, and a more equitable future. The time to act is now.