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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 05/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (05-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 2 – Governance | Social Justice | Policy Reform):

Q. Critically examine the relevance of the Caste Census in contemporary India. How can a caste-based enumeration aid in reforming affirmative action while managing the risks of social fragmentation?

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

India’s social justice policies—particularly reservation and targeted welfare schemes—rest on the assumption of caste-based disadvantage. However, the absence of reliable caste data (except for SC/ST) since 1931 has hampered evidence-based policymaking. The Caste Census 2027, recently announced by the Government, seeks to fill this void by gathering comprehensive socio-economic and caste-wise data.

Why the Caste Census Is Relevant Today

1. Data-Driven Affirmative Action

Current quotas (especially for OBCs) are based on outdated estimates, primarily from the Mandal Commission (1980) using 1931 data.
A modern census enables calibration of reservation based on actual need.

2. Identification of Intra-Group Disparities

Within OBCs, dominant sub-castes often corner benefits.
A caste census can enable sub-categorization, as recommended by the Justice Rohini Commission.

3. Rationalization of Welfare Schemes

Enables targeted delivery under PM Vishwakarma Yojana, EWS benefits, etc.
Allows mapping of educational, health, income gaps among different caste groups.

4. Empowering Marginalized Communities

Many communities seek inclusion in SC/ST/OBC lists. Reliable data can depoliticize inclusion and ensure legal soundness.

Risks and Challenges

Challenge	Explanation
Social Polarization	Political mobilization around caste identities may intensify post-census.
Privacy and Consent	Citizens may fear misuse of identity data in absence of data protection law.
Quality and Integrity	Risk of over-reporting or fake caste claims without standardized classification.
Legal Complexity	May lead to demands for increased reservation, hitting the 50% cap set in Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992).

Relevance for Assam and Northeast India

Multi-ethnic composition (Tea Tribes, Ahoms, Morans, ST Hills/Plains) complicates reservation politics.
Past issues with SECC 2011 and NRC-related tensions show data sensitivity.
Caste Census data may support or settle inclusion debates over ST status for several communities.
Must align with existing Sixth Schedule governance and Autonomous Council laws.

Way Forward

✅ Institutional Mechanisms

Establish an Independent Social Data Commission for classification and oversight.
Build consensus via Backward Classes Commissions at the state level.

✅ Methodological Rigor

Standardize caste categories using ethnographic verification and self-declaration.
Train enumerators and use digital verification to avoid duplication.

✅ Public Trust & Safeguards

Ensure confidentiality under Census Act, 1948.
Mandate use of caste data solely for policy planning, not for electoral profiling.

✅ Integrate with Welfare Delivery

Link with Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to track and monitor benefit reach.
Use caste census findings to upgrade poverty and social exclusion indices.

Conclusion

The Caste Census 2027 is a crucial opportunity to realign India’s affirmative action architecture with present realities. If conducted with integrity, transparency, and institutional safeguards, it can bridge the gap between policy intent and social outcomes. However, the government must ensure that data collection does not deepen social fault lines, but strengthens social cohesion and justice.

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