Towards Excellence

(ISSN No. 0974-035X)
(An indexed refereed & peer-reviewed journal of higher education)
UGC-MALAVIYA MISSION TEACHER TRAINING CENTRE GUJARAT UNIVERSITY

EXCLUSION OR IGNORANCE: INDIAN CENSUS WITHOUT ANY DATA OF OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES

Authors:

Firdous Ahmad Sofal, Waheed Ahmad Ahanger

Abstract:

Census provides us with very detailed information related to the demographic picture, economic activities and literacy status of the country. Apart from this, it is most credible source of information on different social groups (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) of the county and their progression in different fields. In order to frame and implement different programs and policies, census data is very important for socio-economic research and planning for central and the state governments. The literacy figures from 1961 to 2011 available on Census Bureau of India for SCs & STs social groups on decade bases. After India became independent the practice to collect the data for different social groups were restricted to SCs/STs and OBCs where always excluded from the census. Literacy is the key for social-economic development of the country.  An attempt has been made to justify the significance of Census for the development of the Indian nation in relation to various aspects like economy, education, housing etc. In the present paper an attempt has been made at micro level to study literacy rates among different marginalized social groups with special reference to OBCs of North-Kashmir. The researchers used the literacy figures 2011 available on Census Bureau of India and tried to answer why census is important for OBCs. The researcher adopted House-Hold survey of various areas where OBCs are dominated in residing in terms of their castes and professions. The investigator identified 03 dominated villages in 03 Districts of North-Kashmir in India. The findings of the study confirmed that there is a need to inclusion of the OBCs in the census across states of India, so that a clear picture of their progression will come in front of the nation. 

Keywords:

Census, SCs, STs, OBCs and North-Kashmir

Vol & Issue:

VOL.14, ISSUE No.1, March 2022