Census: How Indian States Differ In Enumerating Castes.



India’s complex caste structure continues to shape its socio-political environment, making caste enumeration a deeply significant, and often contentious exercise. While the national Census collects data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), it omits detailed data on Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and general castes. This gap has prompted several Indian states to initiate their own caste surveys, aiming to inform welfare schemes and craft more equitable policies.

However, these state-level efforts differ greatly in method, scope, and political motivation.

1. Bihar: Leading the Charge

In 2023, Bihar became the first state in recent history to successfully conduct a comprehensive caste-based survey. Spearheaded by the Nitish Kumar-led government, the survey collected data on OBCs, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), SCs, STs, and general castes.

The objective was to create a detailed socio-economic profile of the population to justify caste-based reservations and targeted welfare. The initiative set a precedent for other states considering similar exercises.

2. Karnataka: A Stalled Attempt

Karnataka conducted a Socio-Economic and Educational Survey in 2015 under the Siddaramaiah government. Though the survey was completed, its findings were never released due to political sensitivity, especially concerning dominant communities.

In 2025, renewed political momentum led to promises to re-examine and possibly publish the report, reflecting growing demands for data-driven social justice policies.

3. Maharashtra: Focus on Marathas

Caste data collection in Maharashtra has revolved around the Maratha community’s demand for reservations. The state carried out surveys via the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission to assess the community’s socio-economic status.

While not a full-fledged caste census, these efforts have been critical in justifying affirmative action for Marathas and revealing intra-state disparities.

4. Tamil Nadu: Targeted and Reserved

Tamil Nadu has historically opposed national caste enumeration, fearing disruption to its Dravidian model of social justice. Nonetheless, it maintains detailed records through its Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes Commissions and conducts sample-based surveys for policy development.

The state’s strategy emphasizes careful internal documentation over large-scale enumeration.

5. Odisha and Chhattisgarh: Emerging Players

Both states announced plans in 2024 to conduct caste surveys, inspired by Bihar’s model. These initiatives are currently in the planning or early data collection phases, with the goal of strengthening welfare schemes through better demographic insights.

6. Uttar Pradesh and the Hindi Heartland: Political Caution

Despite having sizable OBC populations, states like Uttar Pradesh have shown reluctance to undertake caste censuses. Political parties often raise the demand during election cycles, but administrative action remains absent.

The hesitation reflects concerns about stirring social tensions and upsetting dominant caste dynamics.

Why Do States Differ?

The variation in caste enumeration approaches arises from a combination of factors:

  • Political Will:
    States governed by parties focused on social justice (like JD(U), RJD, Congress, or DMK) have shown greater initiative.

  • Administrative Capacity:
    Caste surveys require significant planning, manpower, and sensitivity to social tensions.

  • Legal and Judicial Barriers:
    Courts have occasionally halted or questioned surveys over privacy and methodological concerns.

  • Social Backlash:
    Data revealing the numerical strength of certain groups can shift power dynamics, leading to political hesitation.


As Bharat debates the future of reservations and inclusive policymaking, accurate caste data remains a crucial but politically delicate issue. State-led caste surveys attempt to fill the gaps left by the national Census, but differ widely in transparency, ambition, and implementation.

These differing approaches reveal not only the diversity of Indian states but also the complexities involved in navigating caste realities in contemporary governance.

"The only thing we have in common is that we are all different.”

#828


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