Question Q.17GS2GS2
The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the national census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a national 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.
Main Body
Caste census as a part of census will add in building detailed governance model to foster when can further the idea of social justice.
Opportunities in caste-working
1Data validation & diverse caste groups (caste groups happened in 2011, see - data not available)
2Enumerate charges in caste profile for better policies based on affirmative action
3Davantor Singh Judgment (2021) - called for sub-categorization of SC/ST based on natural data
3Removal of fake beneficiary in reservation/scheme.
4Analyse sociological data for better [targeting] of vulnerable (ARTICLE 46-DPSP)
5Regional allocation of funds according to caste data.
Case Study
Bihar's successfully conducted caste census = added in govt data led failures.
Challenges:
(1) Embolden caste identity - against gandhian ideal.
(2) Misuse of data for reservation = slippery slope
(3) Difficult to capture data due to divergence in state and central, caste list.
(4) Fake data/certificates = make inaccessible data base
1Affirm the data - caste certification dynamically uploaded.
2Leverage AI and Big data
3Ensure transparency and accountability with e-vigilance.
4'Due diligence' principle for verification
5Data to be used only any [for governance] and not political motive => to be mandated by new of timid office.
6Training of officials with population behavior.
Caste census will open a pendulum for opportunities and must be streamlined with efficiency.
228 words5 paragraphs
Conclusion
Caste census will open a pendulum for opportunities and must be streamlined with efficiency.
14 words
Topper
Deeksha Chourasiya
AIR 442025
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections - Performance, Mechanisms, Laws and Institutions
Social Sector Services
Caste Census and Data Collection
Writing Stats
242
Total words
5
Paragraphs
prescriptive
Tone