Caste and Citizenship: The Census Conundrum The upcoming census phase 2, set to begin on August 17, marks a significant shift in data collection for India's complex social hierarchy.
For the first time since 1931, caste will be recorded, and parents' birth details will be captured, sparking debate about what this means for citizenship, identity, and belonging.
The decision to collect caste data has been met with skepticism by some, who argue it is a misguided attempt to create a more "scientific" classification system. Others see it as a step towards greater inclusivity.