Skip to main content

CASTE CENSUS: A Lesson from Nagaland’s Successful Census 2011

By Nagesh Bhushan

The Census 2011 in Nagaland stands as a model of effective data collection in a culturally unique and geographically challenging region, driven by robust community participation and strategic public awareness campaigns. With India’s government approving caste enumeration for the upcoming census—the first comprehensive caste count since 1931—Nagaland’s experience offers a blueprint for implementing a caste census nationwide. 

Census 2011 in Nagaland: A Triumph of Community Engagement

The Process

Nagaland’s Census 2011, conducted in two phases—house listing (April–June 2010) and population enumeration (February–March 2011)—achieved remarkable success through community involvement. The state’s Directorate of Census Operations launched extensive pre-census awareness campaigns to educate its 1.98 million residents, 71% of whom live in rural areas. These campaigns were critical in a state dominated by Scheduled Tribes (STs, 86.5%) and characterized by linguistic diversity (16 major tribes with distinct dialects).

Nagaland’s communitization model, where local communities manage public services, was central to the process. Village councils, tribal hohos (apex tribal bodies), and church networks mobilized residents, ensuring enumerator access to remote villages. Public appeals, such as those issued before Phase II, urged citizens to provide accurate data, framing the census as a collective responsibility. Local enumerators, trained to respect tribal customs and navigate cultural nuances, collected data effectively. Campaigns likely utilized local radio, church announcements, and community gatherings, leveraging Nagaland’s predominantly Christian population to maximize outreach.

By addressing logistical challenges (rugged terrain, dispersed settlements) and cultural sensitivities, the process achieved near-universal coverage, setting a high standard for community-driven data collection.

Achievements

Census 2011 in Nagaland yielded significant outcomes:

Widespread Participation: Community mobilization ensured high cooperation, with village councils facilitating enumerator access and encouraging honest responses.

Reliable Demographic Data: The census recorded a population of 1,978,502, a unique negative decadal growth rate (-0.58%), a literacy rate of 79.55% (above the national 73%), and gender-specific insights (e.g., 11.5% female-headed rural households).

Enhanced Trust: Aligning with communitization built trust in public institutions, positioning the census as a locally owned initiative.

Policy Impact: The data informed disaster management, tribal development, and welfare programs, reinforcing community roles.

Global Recognition: Nagaland’s communitization model, showcased during the census, built on its 2008 UN Public Service Award for participatory governance.

These achievements highlight the power of community engagement in overcoming barriers, offering lessons for a caste census.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself.......

Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective. Because if not, there's absolutely no point. Not every argument is worth your energy. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand—they’re listening to react. They’re stuck in their own perspective, unwilling to consider another viewpoint, and engaging with them only drains you. There’s a difference between a healthy discussion and a pointless debate. A conversation with someone who is open-minded, who values growth and understanding, can be enlightening—even if you don’t agree. But trying to reason with someone who refuses to see beyond their own beliefs? That’s like talking to a wall. No matter how much logic or truth you present, they will twist, deflect, or dismiss your words, not because you’re wrong, but because they’re unwilling to see another side. Maturity is...
Post a Comment
Read more

EXPLAINING THE PREAMBLE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Thanks Hari Singh Shekhawat for EXPLAINING THE PREAMBLE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION: Given the detailed nature of the Constitution of India, the Preamble serves a vital role in capturing the essence of the Constitution. Let’s revisit its core values on the 76th Republic Day. As India prepares to celebrate its 76th Republic Day under the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Legacy and Progress), the day also marks a historic moment to reflect on the core values of the Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. On this day, let’s reflect on the core values enshrined in the Preamble — Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic — which constitute the foundation of India’s democratic framework, promoting justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity among all its citizens. The Preamble’s invocation of “We, the people of India” The preamble begins with the famous and stirring words, “We, the people of India”. This invocation of t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why BJP is opposing the Telangana caste census?

The BJP opposes the Telangana caste census primarily due to concerns about its political motivations, alleging that the Congress party is using it for electoral gain rather than genuine welfare of Backward Classes (BCs)  1 3 .  BJP leaders argue that the census distracts from Congress's unfulfilled promises to BCs and could exacerbate social divisions  2 4 .  Additionally, there are fears within the BJP that a detailed caste enumeration might reveal ongoing upper-caste dominance in politics and society, which could challenge their support base  7 8 . The BJP's main arguments against the caste census include: Political Manipulation : BJP leaders assert that the Congress party is using the caste census for political advantage rather than for the welfare of Backward Classes (BCs), claiming it distracts from unfulfilled promises made to these communities  2 4 . Threat to Hindutva Agenda : The party views the census as a potential challenge to its support base a...
Post a Comment
Read more