Checkbox caste: On the counting of caste, Census 2027
The article discusses the upcoming Census 2027, highlighting its key feature of including an 'open column' for respondents to state their caste, which will have statutory backing, unlike the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC). It notes the challenges of open-ended caste data collection, as seen in the unusable 2011 SECC data, and suggests a digital method with curated lists, citing the Bihar caste survey as a potential model. The article delves into the constitutional stance against caste discrimination while arguing that empirical caste data is indispensable for targeting welfare and social justice measures, affirmative action, and informing policies related to the 'creamy layer' and sub-categorisation of castes.
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