SECC 2011
The Incomplete Caste Census
The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was launched on 29 June 2011 and was the first caste-based enumeration attempt since 1931. However, the caste-specific data from SECC 2011 was never fully published. The methodology used open-ended questions without a pre-defined caste list, resulting in approximately 4.6 million distinct caste entries — making the data statistically unusable. Only the socio-economic data (not the caste data) was released.
- SECC 2011: Conducted by Ministry of Rural Development; separate from the regular Census conducted by Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Coverage: Rural and urban households surveyed for socio-economic indicators alongside caste.
- Flaw: No standardised caste list led to 4.6 million entries vs. approximately 4,147 in the 1931 census.
- Outcome: Caste data withheld; only poverty/deprivation data used for welfare targeting.
- The 2027 Census approach is expected to use a structured, pre-defined caste list to avoid SECC 2011's shortcomings.
● Tracked since May 20, 2026 · last seen August 30, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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