Question 17GS2GS2
The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.
Main Body
India will conduct a full-scale caste census for the 1st time in ages: Independence & 1st time after 1931
Opportunities:
Counting of castes will lead to
identification of the poorest among the poor
assessment of the various provisioning for welfare & development of poor castes/classes
designing of suitable policies for the most backward
Rationalization of reservation system → greater representation in jobs & education to the most deprived
Understanding the true structure of Indian society - its diversity & power structure
Challenges:
never done in independent India → lack of expertise & experience
Lack of an exhaustive list of castes → may lead to the SECC (Socio-Economic & Caste Census) bungle (~46 lakh castes)
Politicization of Caste - resurgence of 'Mandal - Kamandal Politics'
greater demand for reservation by multiple groups → social tension & unrest
Clarity & about relative deprivation among groups → class/caste conflicts
Way Forward:
training of census officials - esp about caste names
publication of caste list - invite feedback
Timely & unaltered publication of caste data - to avoid politics
Multi-stake holds consultation
193 words6 paragraphs15 bullet points
Answer continues on next page
- Establishes historical context (1931 reference)
- Identifies concrete benefits of caste counting
- Links caste data to welfare provisioning
- Comprehensively identifies challenges
- References historical precedent (SECC bungle)
- Addresses political and social dimensions
- Discusses inter-group tensions
- Practical steps for implementation
- Addresses transparency concerns
- Includes capacity building
- Proposes consultative approach
Topper
ADITYA PATHAK
AIR 1892025
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections - Performance, Mechanisms, Laws and Institutions
Caste enumeration and welfare assessment
Writing Stats
193
Total words
6
Paragraphs
15
Bullets
prescriptive
Tone