After the release of a caste survey in Bihar, revealing significant population percentages belonging to Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), the demand for a nationwide caste census has arisen.

Socio-Economic Data Disparity

Average monthly per capita consumption expenditures (MPCE) for STs, SCs, and OBC households in rural areas are lower than those of the general category.
Multidimensional poverty estimates indicate higher poverty ratios among STs, SCs, and OBCs compared to the general category.
Scholars’ estimates show that STs, SCs, and OBCs together, despite constituting a significant portion of the population, account for a disproportionate share of the country’s poor.

Education and Employment Inequality

Data on education and employment reveal disparities across caste categories.
The general category has a higher proportion of literates, graduates, and post-graduates compared to OBCs, SCs, and STs.
Informal sector employment is more common among STs, SCs, and OBCs, while the general category has a greater share of formal employment.
The Central government’s employment data also show a disparity in the representation of caste categories, particularly in skilled and well-paid positions.

Mandal Commission and Reservation

The Mandal Commission estimated OBCs to be 52% of India’s population and recommended 27% reservation for them in government services and educational institutions.
The implementation of OBC reservation and subsequent legal challenges led to the Indra Sawhney judgment in 1992, upholding the reservation policy based on caste.

Opposition to Caste census

Some opposition to a nationwide caste census stems from concerns that revealing OBC population percentages equal to or greater than 52% could lead to demands for increased OBC reservation.
The enactment of the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019, which provided 10% reservation to economically weaker sections (EWS) within the general category, already breached the 50% reservation ceiling set by the Supreme Court.

Way Forward

The wide variation in OBC population estimates from official sample surveys necessitates a comprehensive caste census to obtain accurate numbers.
Detailed data on individual castes within the OBC category are crucial to address concerns about reservation benefits concentrating among dominant caste groups.
State-level OBC lists also require accurate caste composition data, given the diversity in caste demographics among states.
Overall, the Justice Rohini Commission’s report on sub-categorization of OBCs highlights the need for scientific criteria, which a nationwide caste census can provide.

Caste Census in India