Why in the News?
The Centre’s decision to include caste data in the next national Census is a significant change for the ruling BJP, as it goes against their earlier stance on the issue.
What prompted the government to shift its stance and include caste enumeration in the next Census?
- Electoral Setback Due to Perception of Anti-Reservation Agenda: Calls for constitutional overhaul and earlier statements questioning caste-based reservations created fear among backward communities about erosion of their rights. Eg: The lack of a clear electoral majority in the 2024 general elections was partly attributed to concerns among OBC and Dalit communities.
- Rising Political Demand and Ground Realities in Key States: Increasing public support for caste enumeration, especially in socially diverse states, compelled the government to reconsider its position. Eg: With state elections approaching and widespread demand for a caste census, continuing opposition risked alienating a significant voter base.
- Pressure from Social Justice Movements and Civil Society: Growing civil society activism and calls for greater transparency in the distribution of benefits made it difficult to ignore the demand for a caste count. Eg: Public discussions on expanding reservations and ensuring proportional representation intensified the push for a data-driven approach.
Why is there growing concern about the political implications of a caste census, especially in Bihar?
- Impact on OBC and Dalit Mobilization: A caste census could provide more accurate data on the representation of OBCs and Dalits, leading to demands for more targeted reservations and welfare programs. Eg: In Bihar, where caste-based politics has been historically influential, a caste census could alter the political calculus by intensifying demands for more affirmative action.
- Electoral Strategy and Vote Bank Politics: Political parties in Bihar may try to exploit caste-based data to attract specific voter segments, resulting in increased polarization. Eg: In Bihar, caste-based mobilization has historically influenced election results, and any shift in data could be used to either strengthen or disrupt existing political alliances.
- Social Tensions and Division: The caste census may exacerbate social divisions, particularly in a state like Bihar, where caste identities play a significant role in shaping societal relations and political behavior. Eg: Tensions may rise between communities if the census results challenge current power dynamics, leading to potential unrest and further fragmentation within society.
How have national political parties historically approached caste-based policies?
- Ambivalence and Opposition to Caste-Based Politics: Initially, national parties were reluctant to fully embrace caste-based policies, viewing them as divisive. This led to a more generic approach focused on broader social and economic justice. Eg: The Congress party, traditionally seen as the party of social justice, was hesitant to fully adopt caste-based policies until the 1990s, when it started advocating for the inclusion of OBCs and Dalits.
- Shift Towards Inclusivity and Affirmative Action: Over time, national parties, particularly the Congress and BJP, began adopting affirmative action policies, such as reservations, to address caste-based inequities and broaden their electoral base. Eg: In the 1990s, after the Mandal Commission report, both Congress and BJP supported the implementation of OBC reservations to gain support from OBC communities, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Caste-Based Mobilization for Electoral Gains: National parties have increasingly used caste-based mobilization as a tool to win elections, though they often avoid explicitly acknowledging it, relying on coalition politics instead. Eg: The BJP, after initially distancing itself from caste politics, has adapted by incorporating OBCs into its fold, as seen in its strategy in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, leading to its dominance in the 2014 and 2019 general elections.
When was the last comprehensive caste census conducted in India?
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Way forward:
- Ensure Data Privacy and Equity in Implementation: A caste census should be conducted with strict guidelines to ensure data privacy and avoid misuse, ensuring that it is used only for policy planning and affirmative action rather than political exploitation.
- Strengthen Social Welfare Mechanisms Based on Census Data: The government should leverage the caste census data to create targeted social welfare programs that address the needs of backward communities without exacerbating social divisions.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.
Linkage: The core issue that a caste census, as discussed in the article, aims to potentially improve: ensuring that underprivileged sections receive the intended benefits of affirmative action and social justice policies.
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