Counting castes in India has always been about more than numbers - it is about who gets a share of government benefits and who doesn't.
The country's next national census, scheduled for 2027, will count every caste, a social hierarchy that has long outlived kingdoms, empires, and ideologies. This change follows decades of political hesitation and pressure from opposition parties, along with several states that have already conducted their own surveys.
A previous 2011 survey recorded an astonishing 4.6 million caste names, highlighting the fragmented nature of caste identity in the country.
Proponents of the caste count argue it will provide a clearer picture of social benefits distribution, making welfare spending more efficient and potentially recalibrating affirmative action in jobs and education based on hard evidence.
However, amid this supportive discourse, Anand Teltumbde, a prominent scholar-activist, warns that a caste census could further entrench the existing discriminatory caste system, which he believes should be dismantled rather than managed. He argues that counting castes could bureaucratize inequality, focusing on quotas and entitlements while neglecting the deeper social injustices at play.
As seen in historical contexts where colonial powers used caste data to control populations, Teltumbde cautions against the implications of modern enumeration practices. He laments that such an exercise could exploit existing caste tensions for political advantage rather than genuinely addressing issues of social justice.
Some scholars, however, contend that not counting castes is a significant oversight of post-independence India. They advocate for a caste census as a viable mechanism to illuminate both privilege and deprivation, arguing that everyone should be required to disclose their caste identity to foster a more comprehensive understanding of social dynamics.
Political discourse surrounding caste often revolves around the needs of historically marginalized groups, but the necessity of capturing the entire caste spectrum is increasingly recognized. Critics, like Sudha Pai and others, argue that for a caste census to be effective, it must integrate income and educational indicators to shift from caste-based to rights-based welfare mechanisms.
In conclusion, while some experts champion the caste census for its potential to reveal and address inequalities, others warn that it may reinforce existing hierarchies. The upcoming census represents more than a statistical exercise; it embodies a pivotal moment in India's ongoing struggle with caste and social justice.
