Caste data needed for targeted affirmative action: Scholars, activists

Reliable caste data have not been made available since 1931. Experts say a caste census must be conducted, and reservations provided to dominant castes only if there is evidence that they need it

Without precise caste data, the new central law that will restore to states and Union territories the power to notify social and educationally backward classes (SEBC/OBC) will not result in targeted affirmative action, say researchers and students bodies. Caste data, not disclosed in India since 1931 on the grounds that they encourage the idea of discrimination, are critical for a nuanced understanding of where each caste sits on the spectrum of advantage and disadvantage, they say.

Passed in parliament on August 5, 2021, the 127th Constitution Amendment bill (commonly referred to as the OBC bill) overturned a part of the