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The First Step Toward a Casteless Society: Caste Census

---Justice V. Eswaraiah

The demand for a caste census has sparked widespread debate, exposing various perspectives. For many, it seems to be an uncomfortable reality. In Telangana, objections have been raised about the comprehensive family survey questionnaire, which aims to assess the socio-economic conditions of various communities. Such a survey is essential to understand which communities lack basic amenities. Without this data, fair representation and allocation of resources—whether in local, state, or national elections—remain unattainable.

Criticism about collecting property details in the survey, citing privacy concerns, overlooks the necessity of understanding economic disparities. Knowing who lives in proper houses versus huts, who has assets, and who lacks basic facilities helps identify communities deprived of resources, education, and livelihood opportunities. Only with such data can the constitutional promise of social, economic, and political justice be fulfilled.

The Need for Specific Questions
India is home to diverse communities, including nomadic tribes and denotified tribes, many of whom lack representation. Accurate data is vital for government planning and welfare schemes. As Rahul Gandhi emphasized, without data, it is impossible to address backwardness or allocate reservations effectively. Understanding disparities in employment, education, and wealth distribution is crucial to ensuring fair representation and access to opportunities for all communities.

Importance of Data in Governance
Constitutional provisions, such as Article 16 (job representation) and Article 23 (prohibition of forced labor), demand equitable treatment. However, the lack of data hampers efforts to combat issues like human trafficking, child labor, and forced labor. Economic data, including land ownership and income levels, is essential to prevent the concentration of wealth and ensure equitable resource distribution

Historical and Legal Context
The 1931 caste census remains the foundation for India's current reservation system. Post-independence, neither state nor central governments have conducted comprehensive caste surveys, despite clear Supreme Court directives in cases like Indira Sawhney. Accurate data is critical to determining backwardness and extending benefits to truly deserving communities.

Local Representation and Reservations
The Constitution mandates reservations in local bodies based on community population data. However, the absence of updated data has limited the fair allocation of reservations, leading to legal challenges. The comprehensive family survey and caste census can address these gaps, ensuring equitable representation in governance.

Call for Cooperation
Caste census data will aid in dismantling caste hierarchies and fostering inter-caste marriages, paving the way for a casteless society. Justice V. Eswaraiah urges everyone to support the caste census, as it is the first step toward achieving holistic development and equality for all.
Justice V. Eswaraiah is the former Chairperson of the National BC Commission.
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