Context: The Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 collected data on a range of parameters, parts of which were published in 2016. But the data on caste populations, other than the total numbers of SCs and STs, was not made public.
1. Introduction to SECC 2011
SECC was conducted between 2011–2013 following the 2011 Census.
It provides the most recent caste and socio-economic data in India.
The socio-economic data was published in 2016; however, the detailed caste data was not made public.
2. Disclosure and Use of Data
Only socio-economic findings were released; caste-wise population data (except total SC/ST) was withheld.
Caste data was submitted to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
An expert group led by Arvind Panagariya was formed for classification; its report is still unreleased.
Data is accessible to government departments for policy-making, welfare schemes, and targeting benefits.
3. Administrative Responsibilities
Rural areas: Conducted by Ministry of Rural Development.
Urban areas: Conducted by Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
Caste Census: Overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs via the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
4. Scope and Purpose
SECC aimed to assess the socio-economic status of both rural and urban households.
It enabled the ranking of households based on multiple indicators for targeted support.
5. Data Collected in SECC 2011
a) Caste/Tribe Data
Respondents identified as:
SC (Code 1), ST (Code 2), Other (Code 3), No Caste/Tribe (Code 4).
Name of caste/tribe also recorded.
Clarified religious boundaries for SCs (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists) and STs (any religion).
b) Economic Status & Living Conditions
Housing ownership, construction material (wall/roof).
Household amenities: source of drinking water, electricity/lighting, toilets, kitchen, waste water outlet.
Assets: refrigerator, mobile, computer, vehicles, AC, washing machine.
c) Urban Household Data
Names of both parents, primary income source (e.g., begging, vending, domestic work, pensions, etc.).
d) Rural Household Data
Special identification: primitive tribal groups, bonded labourers, manual scavengers.
Income source (cultivation, manual labor, foraging, etc.).
Land ownership and agricultural equipment availability.