India's first census in 15 years confronts caste sensitivities

New Delhi (Kyodo) -- India's inaugural census in 15 years aims to rectify a significant data void, yet concerns about caste elicit resistance, casting doubt on the census's ability to accurately reflect the nation's social stratification. Over 3 million census officials are collecting details across India, a country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, employing digital tools in an endeavor that may influence government policies and political representation.

The census marks a first by incorporating a comprehensive caste count since 1931, the year India was under British rule. The government intends to utilize these findings to inform affirmative action policies, including quotas for lower-caste groups in government employment and university admissions. However, enumerators report that some households are hesitant to divulge even basic caste information.

Alok Aggarwal, a 53-year-old laboratory assistant at the District Institute of Education and Training in New Delhi, recounted the challenges he faced during the census in May. He expressed unease about asking the caste question and noted that some individuals either lied or avoided answering. Seema Rai, a 58-year-old school principal who also participated in the census, agreed, stating that some families strongly objected to the questions, making it unclear how reputable their responses were.

The census is structured into two phases. The first, conducted from April to September, focused on housing, household heads, and access to infrastructure like water and electricity. The second phase, set for February next year, will delve into individual data, such as age, sex, and employment status, and will establish the number of individuals belonging to each caste.

Enumerators face digital obstacles alongside the sensitive caste questions. While a smartphone app was provided to transmit responses instantly, poor internet connectivity and slow data entry made its use impractical. In some regions, enumerators found it safer to carry paper forms due to the risk of theft from mobile phones. The physical toll was also evident, with some workers collapsing due to the extreme heat of May and others being attacked by dogs.

Despite normal census intervals every decade, the 2021 census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The urgency to update outdated population figures, which inform governmental decisions, has grown. Additionally, these data are crucial for redrawing electoral districts, potentially impacting political outcomes. A former chief minister of a southern state, who opposes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggested that the timing of the census is politically motivated. Without transparency and precision, the census's outcomes might exacerbate social divisions.