DMK Rajya Sabha MP, P Wilson, recently called for the transfer of the caste census from the union list to the concurrent list. He discussed this issue with Esha Roy.
What is the problem with the caste census?
Currently, caste-based reservation is determined by the 1931 caste census. The 27% reservation for OBCs is based on this census, as well as the Mandal Commission report. Although the Centre conducted another caste census between 2011 and 2015, the report has not been acted upon. In 2015, the Centre referred it to Niti Aayog, but no progress has been made since then.
What authority do states currently have regarding caste?
States can identify Socially and Economically Backward Classes and implement internal reservations. For example, Tamil Nadu provides 69% reservation for OBC/SC/ST based on the Sattanathan and Ambashankar report. However, this is still not adequate representation, and in order to increase the reservation to properly represent communities, states need the authority to conduct a census.
Why do states need the authority to conduct a caste census?
Reservation must be based on scientific data to ensure proper representation. Additionally, courts often strike down state reservations due to lack of empirical data, which is obtained through a census.
Has the current reservation system been successful?
Even with the current inadequate reservation, which does not properly represent the caste population, there are still vacancies in reserved seats, depriving the majority of these communities of opportunities and livelihood.
What options do states have?
They can seek recourse through the courts.
