Question Q.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
MHA recently notified conduction of 16th Census of India using 32 Lakh enumerators. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs earlier made decision to include caste census as part of it. 16th Census + Caste Census:1st fully digital census1st census to enumerate caste band list after census 1931 apart from SC, STs.
Opportunities for caste census: 1) Ensuring that backward castes are enumerated exactly for wellfare schemes. 2) Data driven inform policiesbetter targeting, reduced leakage. 3) Will ensure Affirmative Action is leading to social justice and social mobility. [Yogendra Yadav] 4) Creation of database for other sample based surveys (e.g., NFHS, PLFS, DRS etc.) Challenges associated with caste census: 1) Populist agenda of political partiesfounders culture based on caste could open 'Pandora's Box'. 2) Could lead to politicization of caste line. 3) Could dilude the judgement of sub-categorization of castes in Davinder Singh v/s State of Punjab. Framework 1) Digital tools for better accuracy (e.g., Bhashini AI). 2) Training and sensitization of enumerators. 3) All of Govt. approach + All of Society approaching: keeping in CSDs, NGOs etc. Better data enumeration can lead to accurate identification for needs of a rising India.
198 words1 paragraphs
Conclusion
Better data enumeration can lead to accurate identification for needs of a rising India.
14 words
Topper
MADHVENDRA PRATAP SINGH
AIR 1532025
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Government Policies and Interventions - Design, Implementation and Issues
Government Schemes and Policies
Government Schemes and Policies
Writing Stats
212
Total words
1
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone