Member of Govt appointed committee on OBC quota in favour of caste census, SC/ST sub classification

• J K Bajaj says a caste census would generate crucial socio-economic database, while sub-classification would ensure better distribution of quota

Highlights:

• The debate over caste census and sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for reservation purposes has intensified in India.
• Recently, J K Bajaj, a member of the Justice Rohini Commission, voiced support for both initiatives, reflecting the growing demand for more granular data on caste-based socio-economic disparities.
• These issues are crucial for understanding the distribution of benefits within India's affirmative action framework, which has long been a contentious topic in Indian politics.

Key Points of the Debate

• Support for Caste Census:
  • J K Bajaj, who has served as chairman of the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR), advocates for a caste census, emphasizing its importance in generating detailed socio-economic data.
  • Unlike a simple caste count, a comprehensive census would link caste data with other indicators such as education, housing, and employment, providing a more nuanced understanding of the socio-economic conditions of different castes.
  • Bajaj criticized the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) conducted by the UPA government, arguing that it was incomplete due to the absence of a proper list of castes for enumerators.
  • He highlights the need for thorough preparation and data collection to ensure the accuracy and usefulness of such a census.
• Sub-Classification of SCs/STs:
  • The Supreme Court’s recent verdict allowing states to sub-classify SCs and STs for reservation purposes has sparked significant debate.
  • Bajaj supports this move, arguing that sub-classification is essential to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among various sub-groups within these communities.
  • He points out that in Central services, a small section of SCs has disproportionately benefited from reservations, a disparity that sub-classification could address.
  • However, this stance has met with resistance from Dalit leaders, including those within the BJP, who argue that such sub-classification could further divide already marginalized communities.
• Opposition and Political Implications:
  • The caste census is a key demand of the Opposition, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who argues that backward groups lack sufficient representation in public institutions.
  • The Congress’s slogan, “Jitni aabadi, utna haq” (representation as per numbers), encapsulates this demand.
  • However, Bajaj opposes this notion, suggesting that affirmative action should not be reduced to mere proportional representation but should instead focus on addressing socio-economic inequalities.

Prelims Takeaways:

• ICSSR