The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide caste census. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.

Caste census 1.C enumeration of caste will be conducted in Ladakh in 2026 and thereafter all over India from 2027. Opportunities: Caste census: Caste to demands for sub-classification (Dainder Singh engagement). Efficient system of allocation of seats in reservation, eg. Maha Dalits can't compete with hill eff SC, STs. To encourage social mobility of castes who have benefited from reservation, eg. Meenas, Mahayas, eta. Opportunity to settle backward and unregnised groups, eg. Madiyas in Andhra Pradesh. Re allocation of seats in Parliament and state legislatures – CAM not abolished (Art-330, Art-332). Challenges associated: Polarisation on caste basis, eg. caste-based violence concerns. Inter-survey judgment can be extracted, eg. a Dawalits may deed 50% based on findings. Debate institutionalize and strengthen caste identities → low mixing and societal divides. Logistical challenge → two castes have evolved into castes.

Challenges associated: Polarisation on caste basis, eg. caste-based violence concerns. Inter-survey judgment can be extracted, eg. a Dawalits may deed 50% based on findings. Debate institutionalize and strengthen caste identities → low mixing and societal divides. Logistical challenge → two castes have evolved into castes. Status are non-homogenous & diffrent states in diffrent state. Hesitancy in people to tell caste. Reduce social mobility: Framework to conduct: Legislation of survey → into state column of data is hoarse heav. Remote region must be covered → . Remote sureness about census. Exposure for hostilities: is another sign. Pilot scale conduct to see evolve caste practices. Caste census can provide an accurate analysis of caste makeup thee had to evidence-based policy making.

— SURAMYA SHARMA · AIR 359