Why Are Governments Conducting Caste Surveys?
Why Are Governments Conducting Caste Surveys? A Simple Look at the Benefits, Challenges, and Political Realities In April 2025, the Indian government made a big decision—it approved a nationwide caste survey . This move has sparked fresh debates on social justice, political strategy , and how caste still shapes life in modern India. For decades, we’ve relied on outdated caste data from 1931 or incomplete reports like the 2011 SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census). But recent state-level surveys—such as Bihar’s 2023 caste survey , which revealed that over 63% of its population belongs to OBC and EBC communities —have brought caste back into focus. So, why is India taking this step now? What good can come from it—and what dangers does it carry? Let’s break it down in simple terms. Why Is the Government Doing a Caste Survey? 1. Political Strategy and Elections Caste surveys are politically powerful. The ruling BJP’s green signal is seen as a smart move to counter the...