India has no official data on the number of people belonging to a particular caste.
The government is considering expanding caste questions in an upcoming population census, a person familiar with the matter said, after it became a hot-button election issue.
In the last population census in 2011, respondents were asked to identify whether they belonged to one of the two castes listed in the questionnaire, namely the “scheduled caste” or “scheduled tribe” groups, which are the most disadvantaged in society.
Officials are now debating whether to add a third caste category, called “other backward class,” to the questionnaire or conduct a separate caste survey, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office will make a final decision on the matter, the person said.
India’s home and statistics ministries are expected to begin the long-pending population census process next month, people familiar with the matter said. Ministry officials estimate it will take about 18 months to complete, they said.
India has no official data on the number of people belonging to a particular caste. A count would allow the government to reallocate resources more effectively and adapt affirmative action policies as needed.
Caste identity played a major role in India’s elections, with many from the lower strata of society opposing Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, contributing to its loss of its majority in parliament. Opposition groups campaigned on promises of conducting comprehensive caste-based surveys to better target affirmative action policies toward socially and economically backward classes.
Spokespeople for the Interior and Statistics ministries did not immediately respond to requests for more information.
The population census, last published in 2011, is normally conducted once every decade but was delayed due to the pandemic.
The process to define the methodology for the new population census will begin in September and, if deadlines are met, results are expected to be ready by March 2026 at the earliest, the people said. The government will begin training thousands of employees to start carrying out the surveys, the people said.
First published: August 14, 2024 | 10:52 PM IS
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