India’s census delay: A call for social reform and caste census !!!

As a citizen, it is disheartening to note that out of 233 countries, only 44, including India, have not yet completed their 2021 census. This raises questions about why India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, is among the 19% that have not finished this critical task. The primary reason cited for the delay is the COVID-19 pandemic, but if 189 other countries managed to complete their census, why is India lagging behind?

Opposition pushes for inclusion of caste data

The central and state governments, along with opposition parties, have largely ignored this issue over the past four years. However, there is now a renewed focus on the matter in Parliament. Opposition parties are advocating for a caste census to better understand the social dynamics of the country.

Systemic inequality in government positions

A longstanding grievance is that high-ranking bureaucratic positions are predominantly occupied by Brahmins, who constitute just 3% of the population, leading to claims of systemic oppression of the remaining 97% of communities. This alleged imbalance has persisted for the past 76 years, with little action from any political party to address it. The perception is that all parties, regardless of their ideological leanings, have Brahmins in top positions.

To address this inequality, the Congress and its allies, influenced by secular ideology, are pushing for a caste census. They argue that the NDA government should seize this opportunity to recalibrate social equations, remove social gaps, and ensure equal government opportunities for all castes. This could potentially bring lasting credit to the NDA. However, skepticism remains about whether the BJP, with its Brahminical leanings, will embrace such changes, as the proposal has already been rejected in the Lok Sabha.

Potential for revolutionary social change

If the NDA fails to act, the India Bloc might undertake this reform when it gains power, and it could start in states where they currently govern. The goal is to ensure equal benefits for all citizens based on their caste population, which could revolutionize social interactions and gradually diminish caste distinctions.

Dr. L K Mruthyunjaya, a Public Intellectual and Christian Scholar, envisions an unprecedented, bold decision that could foster equality across the country. He believes that the remaining 97% of the population should support this move, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and other castes. Ultimately, Dr. Mruthyunjaya advocates for either the complete eradication of caste distinctions in public life or a caste-wise census to ensure proportional representation and benefits.

The views expressed in the article are solely those of Dr. L K Mruthyunjaya, Public Intellectual and Christian Scholar.