OBC groups oppose caste enumeration method in Census 2027
OBC groups object to how caste data would be collected in Census 2027, calling for a scientific, accurate and transparent approach. They urge consultative processes and a halt until unique caste codes are finalised.
Key takeaways
- OBC groups rally against the proposed open-field caste enumeration for Census 2027.
- AIOBCSA organised the event where a consultative process with multiple stakeholders was urged.
- Protesters call for a halt until unique caste codes are established to ensure data reliability.
What Happened
Members of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) protested the proposed method for enumerating caste data in the forthcoming Census 2027. The protest occurred at an event organised by the All India OBC Students’ Association (AIOBCSA).
During the event, Rajya Sabha member P. Wilson advocated a consultative approach, calling for discussions with state governments, subject experts, sociologists, caste researchers and community organisations to ensure every OBC caste and community is accurately identified and recorded. He warned that inaccurate caste data would affect social justice and constitutional rights.
The participants demanded stopping Census 2027 until unique caste codes are finalised, arguing that caste enumeration without a standardised coding mechanism would undermine the purpose of collecting caste data.
They highlighted Census Question 10 (C), which currently offers an option to enter a caste name when the person is not SC/ST in the state/UT, along with alternatives such as “Does not want to declare Caste” and “No Caste.” They noted that the data field is marked as mandatory and expressed concern about the open-field approach potentially expanding the number of caste names, referencing the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), which reportedly logged over 46 lakh distinct caste names.
Why It Matters
Protesters argue that without a clear, standardised caste coding system, the census could produce unreliable data. They contend this would compromise the reliability of caste information used in policy, social justice measures and constitutional rights.
Background
The argument centers on the data collection method used for caste identification in the census and how it interacts with political and social accountability. The reference to the 2011 SECC’s multiple caste names is cited to illustrate potential fragmentation in classifications when open-field responses are allowed.
Key Facts
- The protest was organised by the All India OBC Students’ Association (AIOBCSA).
- Rajya Sabha member P. Wilson urged a consultative process involving state governments, subject experts, sociologists, caste researchers and community organisations.
- Protesters demanded a halt to Census 2027 until unique caste codes are finalised.
- They argued that the open-field caste entry could lead to an expansion in recorded caste names if not standardised.
- Census Question 10 (C) asks for a caste name if not SC/ST in the State/UT, with alternatives including “Does not want to declare Caste” and “No Caste.”
- The 2011 SECC reportedly logged over 46 lakh different caste names in an earlier open-field approach.
What Happens Next
Based on the event, participants called for continued discussions to finalise a standardised caste coding system before Census 2027 proceeds. Specific future steps or timelines were not detailed in the material.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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