What is the purpose of conducting a caste census

The caste census aims to ensure that the deserving individuals receive their due without creating division among the people.
The purpose of conducting a caste census can be summarized as follows:
  • Ensuring social justice: A caste census helps identify specific caste groups that have historically faced discrimination and social disadvantages. This knowledge plays a pivotal role in designing affirmative action policies, reservations, and other welfare schemes to ensure social justice and uplift communities that have traditionally been marginalized.
  • Targeted welfare measures: Caste-based data provides insights into the socio-economic conditions of different caste groups. This information enables targeted welfare measures to be implemented, focusing on the specific needs of disadvantaged communities, such as access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and poverty alleviation programs.
  • Evidence-based policy formulation: A caste census provides valuable data for evidence-based policy formulation. It helps understand the impact of existing policies and identify gaps that need to be addressed. Consequently, policies and interventions can be tailored to bridge these gaps and ensure inclusive and equitable development for all sections of society.
  • Addressing historical injustices: By conducting a caste census, societies can acknowledge and address historical injustices. Recognizing the past discrimination and oppression experienced by different caste groups helps foster a more understanding and inclusive society.
  • Monitoring progress: A caste census serves as a tool to monitor the progress of various caste groups in terms of development indicators and social mobility. It enables tracking improvements over time and identifying areas where interventions are still required.
It is important to note that the purpose of a caste census should be guided by the objective of promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities, rather than perpetuating divisions or promoting discrimination.
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