Analysis of demography based on caste and religion is essential for the policymakers so that affirmative action can take and redistribute justice. The constitution of India does not allow any discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, caste, religion, etc., yet total elimination of inequality has still not happened. Collecting and analyzing data on the Indian population by caste has become a mandatory factor in designing and implementing policies. 

The population density of India varies significantly. According to the Census 2011, the most populous state of India, Uttar Pradesh, has 199,812,341 people whereas Lakshadweep has a population of only 64,473 people. The demography across different states based on religion also varies significantly. 

Demography based on caste

Since 1951, the Census of India has included information regarding Schedule Tribe (ST), Scheduled Caste (SC), and other sub-tribes and castes. There have been continuous demands to include caste headcount in the Indian Census that is held every 10 years. In India’s Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), the government included the caste question. A separate panel was constituted to analyze the caste data collected during SECC. 

Though SCs and STs are included in the earlier Census, Other Backward Classes data are not mentioned in the Census. Over time, most educationally and socio-economically backward castes were included in the OBC. 

SC/ST DATA

As per the Census 2011, Scheduled Tribes are notified in 30 states and Scheduled Castes in 31 states and union territories. A total of 1,241 ethnic groups were notified as Scheduled Caste across different states and union territories. Seven hundred five ethnic groups were notified as Scheduled Tribes in the last Census. The SC population is 20% more than that of the 2001 Census. The ST population is around 23.7% more than the 2001 Census. 

DISADVANTAGES OF NOT HAVING CASTE-BASED DATA

 Suppose there is not enough data on population by caste. In that case, it becomes difficult for the government to initiate various welfare measures for people facing discrimination based on the caste system. 

OTHER SURVEYS FOR DATA COLLECTION

It is not that there is absolutely no data on Other Backward Classes. The National Sample Survey(NSS) and National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) have data about SC/ST/OBC/Others. Policymakers use these data sets to get insights into issues such as accessibility to higher education, jobs, etc., responsible for many social-economic disputes over the years. 

NFHS 2016 DATA

By analyzing the NFHS 2016 data on population by caste, different social categories’ accessibility to higher education can be understood. The numbers of graduate/post-graduate degree holders in SC/ST/OBCs are less than half of the upper castes. 

NSS DATA

By analyzing NSS Data, one can get an idea about the representation of different social categories in various occupations. The data reveals that the ST/SC/OBCs are mainly involved in agriculture, fisheries, manual labor, or blue-collar jobs. 

RELIGIOUS DEMOGRAPHICS

In the 2011 Census, the “no religion” category was added for the first time. As per the data, around 2.87 million people were categorized in the “no religion” category. 

The overall growth for all religions in India has witnessed a decline. However, the measures had been more pronounced for religious minorities. These religious minorities overtook the Hindus in the ancient period. The Muslim population increased by 32.7%, more significant than India’s overall percentage rate of 21.6% between 1956-and 1961. Although, the difference has decreased. Read out the 2011 Census data of the country to learn the population changes of every religion. 

DATA BASED ON THE 2011 CENSUS

• According to the 2011 Census, Hinduism is the major religion in 28 states, including the nation’s most populous states. 
• The states and union territories with Islam as the primary religion are Lakshadweep, Jammu, and Kashmir. 
• Christianity is the major religion in the northeastern states, including Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. 
• The Sikhs are the majority in Punjab.
• Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh are states with religious diversity. 
• In Sikkim, around 27% of people are Buddhists. Buddhists are also found in Maharashtra, where 77% of India’s Buddhists reside. 
• Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, Muslims, Jains, and Parisis are given the status of ‘Minority Religion’.
• The growth rate is downwards in the major religious groups in India. 

The factors that accounted for the changes in the demography of India are:

• Fertility rate
• Religious switching
• Migration

SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES IN THE RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPES OF SOME STATES

• West Bengal: The total population is 9.1 crore. The share of the Hindu religion declined by 2%, and the share of Muslims increased by 2%.
• Punjab: The total population is 2.8 crore. The share of Sikhs decreased by 2% and became 58%.
• Kerala: The total population is 3.3 crore. The share of Muslims increased by 2% and became 27%.

 CONCLUSION

• The availability of data based on religion effectively addressed the deprivation areas of the minorities, as suggested by the Sachar Committee. Suppose up-to-date data on population by caste is also available. In that case, segregation of people based on caste in various areas such as occupation, human development, property, etc., can be eliminated.