The politics of a caste census, its impact on secularism

• The article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the issue of conducting a caste census in India.
• Opposition party leaders have championed the cause, setting the agenda on this contentious matter.
• However, the Prime Minister has opposed the idea, emphasising his focus on poverty as the primary concern.

Caste and Poverty

• According to scholars, there are two kinds of poverty, i.e. economic and institutional.
• Caste plays a significant role in perpetuating institutional poverty in India because, historically, it determines occupation and skills.
• Historical caste-based determinations of occupation and skills still affect modern economic networks which is why a caste census is vital.
• Therefore, there is a need to recognize the link between caste and poverty, a fact often overlooked in Indian policy.

Hindutva's Reluctance

• The Hindutva ideology is hesitant to support a caste census, fearing it may lead to divisive politics and power struggles.
• A caste census could disrupt the Hindu majoritarian unity that Hindutva has been striving to achieve through religious polarization.

Secular Concerns

• Secular political groups are also wary of a caste census due to its divisive potential.
• They see it as a powerful tool to counteract the rise of Hindu majoritarian forces.
• However, the prospects of secular politics reviving through a caste census is limited.

Historical Context

• The last caste census in India was conducted in 1931, when right-wing groups had limited influence.
• After Independence, there was a possibility for a caste census to be resumed in 1951.
• However, caste census was not resumed in 1951, possibly due to the right's presence within secular political formations.
• The current resistance to a caste census mirrors historical concerns but is more prominent and organised.