Explanation:
Statement (a) is incorrect. While political motivations certainly play a role, the demand for a caste census also stems from the need for updated and accurate data to inform social welfare policies and address existing inequalities.
Statement (b) is correct. The Supreme Court's Indra Sawhney judgment, which upheld the Mandal Commission's recommendations for OBC reservations, also emphasized the need for regular data collection to ensure that reservation benefits are not exploited by privileged groups.
Statement (c) is correct. The 2011 SECC did collect caste data, but the raw data was never made public, leading to continued debates and demands for a fresh caste census.
Statement (d) is incorrect. The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 actually empowers state governments and local bodies to collect statistics on any matter, including caste, if they deem it necessary. This provision has been utilized by states like Karnataka and Bihar to conduct their own caste-based surveys.
Explanation:
Statement (a) is incorrect. While political motivations certainly play a role, the demand for a caste census also stems from the need for updated and accurate data to inform social welfare policies and address existing inequalities.
Statement (b) is correct. The Supreme Court's Indra Sawhney judgment, which upheld the Mandal Commission's recommendations for OBC reservations, also emphasized the need for regular data collection to ensure that reservation benefits are not exploited by privileged groups.
Statement (c) is correct. The 2011 SECC did collect caste data, but the raw data was never made public, leading to continued debates and demands for a fresh caste census.
Statement (d) is incorrect. The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 actually empowers state governments and local bodies to collect statistics on any matter, including caste, if they deem it necessary. This provision has been utilized by states like Karnataka and Bihar to conduct their own caste-based surveys.
