Without a caste count, there can be no honest politics

Source: The post is based on articles

 “Without a caste count, there can be no honest politics” published in The Indian Express on 4^th October 2023 and

“This Doesn’t Count – India’s fast-growing economy must generate more social mobility for caste to lose its political appeal” published in The Times of India on 4^th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Governance – Government Policies & Intervention

Relevance: About caste-based census

News: Bihar’s recent release of comprehensive caste survey (CCS) data is historic as it’s the first time such results of large-scale exercise have been made public. However, the state is yet to release supplementary socio-economic data.

Why are governments reluctant to conduct caste surveys?

According to Max Weber, the modern state is a human community that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory.

However, today, states are defined by their control over both legitimate violence and social statistics/data.

This data is used by totalitarian regimes to control the media and to manage public opinion. They use this data to hide their failures in addressing societal disparities.

Therefore, governments are usually hesitant to conduct and disclose caste surveys because it might expose its shortcomings.

What are the arguments in favor of conducting caste census?

First, caste is a powerful determinant of life chances in India, and it is important to acknowledge and address these differences to achieve true political unity.

Second, caste-based census represents the essential initial step toward addressing the genuine differences and disparities rooted in caste.

What are the arguments against conducting caste census?

First, caste data falls into the category of social statistics and provides insights into the identities and groups that make up the larger national population. Hence, it can reveal social inequalities that may make ruling government accountable.

Second, caste enumeration might surpass the 50% reservation limit. A recent Supreme Court ruling approved a 10% reservation for EWS, raising concerns about the balance between equality and reservation rights.

Consequently, mixing caste with politics and development makes it hard for Indians to be seen as individuals. Thus, focusing on class instead of caste for political mobilization in economic development might yield better results.

Third, caste-based reservations may not effectively reduce economic inequalities, as lower-caste individuals haven’t seen substantial improvement even during economic growth.

Instead, we should work on larger-scale improvements for everyone, making caste-based census unnecessary.

Fourth, collecting caste data might strengthen caste divisions and slow down progress toward a casteless society.

Must Read: Caste Census Significance and Challenges- Explained

What are the challenges in conducting caste census?

Read Here: Complex count: On caste census

What lies ahead?

Faking unity in politics without addressing real societal differences is not genuine politics as it reduces accountability for politicians. Thus, accountable political representation across social differences is crucial, and the Bihar CCS might be a small first step toward achieving this goal.