TLDR;
This video features a discussion on the implications of the Indian government's decision to include caste-related questions in the upcoming population census. It explores the historical context of caste censuses in India, the potential impact of the new census on social justice and policy, and the political dynamics surrounding caste and Hindu identity.
- The historical context of caste censuses in India and reasons for its discontinuation post-independence.
- The complexities of enumerating caste and the potential for data manipulation.
- The interplay between caste politics and Hindu identity.
Introduction to the Caste Census [0:00]
The government's announcement to include questions on caste in the upcoming population census has sparked debate, given the ruling party's previous opposition to such exercises. The opposition has long demanded a caste census, making it an election issue. The discussion covers the meaning of the caste census, its differences from the 1931 census, data integrity, and implications for reservations and policy changes, including the impact on economically weaker sections (EWS) quotas and creamy layer debates.
Historical Context of Caste Census in India [1:37]
The last caste census was conducted in 1931 by the British. Post-independence, India stopped this practice. The decision to halt the caste census after independence wasn't necessarily a conscious effort by the elite for self-preservation, but it objectively served their interests. The Indian freedom movement, led by upper-caste individuals, had managed to address the caste problem to present a united front against the British. The nationalist movement viewed the caste census as a British tactic to divide Indians. This decision cemented the view of caste as a problem of the lower castes, while the constitution made a compromise by abolishing caste legally but recognizing it for Scheduled Castes and Tribes due to historical reasons.
The Socioeconomic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 [10:37]
The Socioeconomic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 was viewed as a project designed to fail, with the government reluctantly giving in to demands for a caste census but ensuring it didn't succeed. The SECC was assigned to the rural development ministry instead of the registrar general's office, which typically handles census operations. The census office is the only entity capable of managing such a large exercise, as demonstrated by its successful enumeration of thousands of languages, religions, and occupations. The logistical challenges of a caste census are significant but not insurmountable, and usable data can be produced, as shown by state-level surveys in Bihar and Karnataka.
Challenges in Enumerating Caste [15:09]
Enumerating caste involves challenges such as merging state and central OBC lists and deciding whether to use a drop-down menu or allow individuals to name their caste. The census should count individual castes, not just categories, and how these castes are classified can be debated rationally. The most critical data will be on upper castes, who haven't been counted since 1931. Counting everyone's caste allows for a new perspective on caste, but debates about categorizing castes are transparent issues influenced by political pressure. Focusing solely on welfare schemes and reservations conceals the privilege accumulated without state intervention.
Demographic Shifts and Caste Surveys [20:19]
State-level caste surveys in Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka indicate that OBC percentages may be higher than the current estimate of 52%, which is a projection from 1931. The percentage of upper castes may be lower due to demographic reasons, as lower castes tend to have higher fertility rates. Regional and linguistic diversity in caste names requires a code directory for the census, which can be created through rationalization by expert committees. New technology allows for seamless data aggregation and disaggregation, and scholarship is available to identify caste synonyms by region.
Religion and Caste in the Census [26:49]
Religion will be a qualifier for caste in the census, with the caste of individuals from all religions being counted. The Bihar caste survey, for example, includes the caste of Muslims. The census data could be used for expanding reservations and better targeting welfare schemes, but it also provides an opportunity to shift the focus to the upper class. Land redistribution and asset provision could be considered as social justice measures.
Data Integrity and Public Pressure [30:57]
Ensuring the integrity of the census data is a concern, given the government's track record with data. Public pressure is essential to maintain transparency. The census, being a less technical and more social affair than GDP data, may face more pressure to remain transparent. The decision to hold the census is a concession to pressure, and public vigilance is necessary. While electronic data collection offers scope for manipulation, the scale of the census makes it difficult to bias the results significantly.
Politics of the Caste Census [37:52]
The BJP's U-turn on the caste census is significant, especially considering the RSS's stance, which emphasizes Hindu identity over caste. The core dilemma for the current regime is the conflict between Hindu identity and caste, which will be decisive for the country's future. The idealistic politics of caste, encapsulated by B.R. Ambedkar's term "annihilation of caste," needs fresh thinking after decades of electoral politics and the rise of Hindutwa. The only way to effectively annihilate caste is if some other force overwrites it, disturbing its ability to reproduce privilege and disprivilege. Hindutwa is currently offering itself as such a force, but at its heart is caste itself.
Overwriting Caste and the Future of Indian Politics [44:29]
The politics of caste and Hindutva have been the two poles driving electoral politics in India. The caste census is the latest chapter in the confrontation between Kamandal and Mandal. The annihilation of caste requires addressing what allows it to reproduce itself: its ability to reproduce privilege and disprivilege. Hindutwa is attempting to overwrite caste, but its core supporters rely on social hierarchy. The future of the country depends on whether the politics of caste can make inroads into the politics of Hindutva or vice versa.