9 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Linguistic and cultural markers offer solution to caste enumeration challenges

Professor G.N. Devy proposes using linguistic and cultural data for caste enumeration.

Professor G.N. Devy suggests using linguistic, ancestral, and lifestyle markers to refine caste enumeration in the upcoming 2026-2027 Census. He advocates for open data scrutiny involving institutions like the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI). Devy highlights the need to enumerate DNT communities to avoid alienating over 10 crore people. He emphasizes learning from language survey methodologies to handle data variations and duplications effectively.

Key Facts

Professor G.N. Devy suggests using linguistic, ancestral, and lifestyle markers for caste enumeration.

The 2011 Census returned 19,000 mother tongues, which were later narrowed down to 1,369 languages after scrutiny.

The Anthropological Survey of India's ‘People of India’ project could be a reference point for caste classification.

Professor Devy co-founded the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic Tribes - Rights Action Group (DNT-RAG).

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Social Justice, Governance

Connects to issues of caste discrimination, social inequality, and affirmative action policies

Potential question types: analytical, statement-based, critical evaluation

Visual Insights

Key Statistics from Professor Devy's Proposal

Highlights key aspects of Professor G.N. Devy's proposal for refining caste enumeration in the upcoming 2026-2027 Census.

DNT Population Potentially Affected: 10 crore+

More Information

Background

The concept of caste enumeration in India has deep historical roots. The British colonial administration conducted regular censuses that included caste-based data collection. This practice, initiated in the late 19th century, aimed to understand the social structure and administer policies effectively. The Census of India became a decennial exercise, providing valuable socio-economic information. Post-independence, the Indian government discontinued caste-based enumeration in the census, except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This decision reflected concerns about perpetuating caste divisions. However, the demand for caste-based data resurfaced periodically, driven by the need to address social inequalities and ensure targeted welfare programs. The Mandal Commission report in the 1980s further intensified this debate. The legal and constitutional framework surrounding caste is complex. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of caste, while Article 16 provides for reservation in public employment. These provisions aim to promote social justice and equality. The inclusion of SCs and STs in census enumeration is mandated to monitor their progress and ensure effective implementation of affirmative action policies. Globally, different countries adopt varying approaches to data collection on social groups. Some nations collect data on ethnicity or race, while others focus on socio-economic indicators. The Indian context is unique due to the historical and social significance of caste. The debate on caste enumeration continues, with proponents arguing for its necessity in addressing inequality and opponents raising concerns about its potential to reinforce social divisions.

Latest Developments

Recent years have witnessed renewed calls for caste enumeration in India. Several states have conducted their own caste surveys to gather data on the socio-economic status of different caste groups. These surveys aim to inform policy decisions and ensure equitable distribution of resources. The debate on a nationwide caste census continues to be a contentious issue. Different stakeholders hold varying perspectives on caste enumeration. Proponents argue that it is essential for evidence-based policymaking and targeted interventions. They believe that accurate caste data can help identify and address inequalities effectively. Opponents, on the other hand, express concerns about the potential for social fragmentation and the misuse of data. The future outlook for caste enumeration remains uncertain. The upcoming 2026-2027 Census presents an opportunity to revisit the issue. The government's decision on whether to include caste-based data collection will have significant implications for social policy and political discourse. The use of linguistic and cultural markers, as suggested by Professor G.N. Devy, could offer a refined approach to caste enumeration. Challenges in caste enumeration include data variations, duplications, and the identification of marginalized communities like DNTs. Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, robust methodologies, and open data scrutiny. Institutions like the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) can play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of caste data.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the proposed caste enumeration using linguistic and cultural markers that are important for UPSC Prelims?

Professor G.N. Devy suggests using linguistic, ancestral, and lifestyle markers for caste enumeration in the upcoming 2026-2027 Census. The 2011 Census returned 19,000 mother tongues. The Anthropological Survey of India's ‘People of India’ project could be a reference point for caste classification. Professor Devy co-founded the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic Tribes - Rights Action Group (DNT-RAG).

Exam Tip

Remember the key organizations and the type of data they collect (linguistic, anthropological).

2. What is the historical background to caste enumeration in India, and why is it relevant to the current discussion?

The British colonial administration conducted regular censuses including caste-based data collection, starting in the late 19th century. This aimed to understand social structure and administer policies. Recent years have witnessed renewed calls for caste enumeration to inform policy decisions and ensure equitable distribution of resources. The debate on a nationwide caste census continues.

Exam Tip

Understanding the historical context helps in analyzing the socio-political implications of caste enumeration.

3. Why is the enumeration of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic Tribes (DNT) communities important, according to Professor Devy?

Professor Devy emphasizes the need to enumerate DNT communities to avoid alienating over 10 crore people. These communities often face social stigma and lack access to basic rights and government schemes. Accurate enumeration is crucial for their inclusion and welfare.

Exam Tip

Focus on the social justice aspect and the need for inclusive policies.

4. What are the pros and cons of using linguistic and cultural markers for caste enumeration, especially considering the variations in language and lifestyle?

Pros include a more nuanced understanding of social identities. Cons involve the complexity of data collection and potential for misclassification due to variations. Open data scrutiny is needed to handle variations and duplications effectively.

Exam Tip

Consider the ethical and practical challenges in implementing such a system.

5. Why is the topic of caste enumeration using linguistic and cultural markers in the news recently?

The topic is in the news because Professor G.N. Devy has suggested using these markers to refine caste enumeration in the upcoming 2026-2027 Census. This proposal aims to address the challenges and inaccuracies encountered in previous caste surveys.

Exam Tip

Stay updated on the developments related to the upcoming Census and government's approach to caste enumeration.

6. What are the important dates and figures to remember related to caste enumeration and linguistic surveys in India?

Key dates include 2026-2027 (planned year for the next Census) and 2011 (Socio Economic and Caste Census). Key figures include 780 languages documented by the Peoples’ Linguistic Survey of India, 46 lakh caste names returned by the 2011 SECC, and 10 crore people in DNT communities.

Exam Tip

Create a timeline to remember these dates and figures for quick revision.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding caste enumeration in India: 1. Caste-based data collection was a regular feature of the Census of India during the British colonial period. 2. Post-independence, the Indian government has consistently included caste-based data in every census. 3. The Mandal Commission report contributed to the debate on caste-based data collection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Caste-based data collection was indeed a regular feature during the British colonial period. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Post-independence, the Indian government discontinued caste-based enumeration in the census, except for SCs and STs. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Mandal Commission report intensified the debate on caste-based data collection due to its recommendations on reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

2. Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution is/are related to the issue of caste discrimination and social justice? 1. Article 14 2. Article 15 3. Article 16 Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Article 14 guarantees equality before the law. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Article 16 provides for equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.

3. Professor G.N. Devy suggested using which of the following markers to refine caste enumeration in the upcoming 2026-2027 Census? 1. Linguistic markers 2. Ancestral markers 3. Lifestyle markers Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Professor G.N. Devy suggested using linguistic, ancestral, and lifestyle markers to refine caste enumeration in the upcoming 2026-2027 Census. These markers can provide a more nuanced understanding of caste identities and social structures.

4. Which institution, according to the news summary, should be involved in open data scrutiny related to caste enumeration?

A.National Statistical Office (NSO)
B.Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI)
C.Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
D.National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)

Show Answer

Answer: B

The news summary explicitly mentions that institutions like the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) should be involved in open data scrutiny related to caste enumeration. This is to ensure accuracy and reliability of the data.