A proposed Social Justice Survey has drawn attention after the inclusion of an ‘open column’ in the second phase of the Census, allowing respondents to state their caste. The move is expected to be carried out in most parts of the country in February next year.
The development has prompted concerns among several parties and other stakeholders over the usefulness of the exercise. Questions have been raised about how the open-ended caste response will be used and whether it will serve the intended purpose of the survey.
The issue is now being closely watched as the Census process moves ahead. Further clarity is expected on how the data collected through the open column will be assessed and applied.
