Caste and the Census

A caste-less society has not become a reality in our country because of an unrealistic fear and self-interested argument that “talking about caste” increases casteism. This was the main theme of a two-day seminar on ‘Caste and the Census’, organised by the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair (BRAC) on Social Change and Development, IGNOU, at the Convention Centre.

The seminar, consisting of four sessions, focussed on the history of the theme, the pros and cons of including and not including caste in the census, methods that can be used and have been used, which affect this social reality, etc

“Caste remains a pervasive reality in the Indian society, yet the Government has not gathered systematic data on this in the Census since independence. In order to formulate policies and programmes to move towards a caste-less society, information about its characteristics, changing forms, inter-caste marriages and the degree to which it may be lessening is necessary,” said Dr Gail Omvedt, Chair Professor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair on Social Change and Development.

“The Government has finally agreed to include an enumeration of caste, but has segregated this from the regular Census in a way which will not provide the required information. Because of this, the BRAC for Social Change and Development decided to hold this seminar,” Dr Omvedt added