India is preparing for a significant policy shift with the inclusion of caste-wise enumeration of Muslims in the next national population Census, a move that promises to reshape the understanding of socio-economic and educational disparities within the Muslim community. This will be the first time that Muslims will be classified not just by religion but also by caste, providing data crucial to policymaking, representation, and resource allocation.

What’s Changing in the Next Census

Until now, Muslims in India were counted as a homogenous religious group in Census exercises. This approach masked the internal diversity and social stratification within the community, particularly among the Pasmanda Muslims, who make up over 70% of India’s Muslim population and are considered socially and economically backward.

The upcoming Census will shift from this blanket religious categorization and will provide concrete data on Muslim sub-castes, many of which already appear in state and central OBC (Other Backward Classes) lists for reservation purposes. This change responds to longstanding demands for caste-based data, not just for Hindus and Dalits, but also for marginalized Muslim groups.

Why This Move Is Significant

The decision to conduct a caste-wise enumeration of Muslims has multiple implications:

• Acknowledging Social Hierarchy: It challenges the long-held belief that caste does not exist in Islam. While Islamic teachings advocate egalitarianism, real-world practice in India reveals stratification within Muslims, including practices of endogamy, occupational segregation, and social hierarchy.

• Policy and Reservation Planning: With concrete data, governments will be better equipped to allocate welfare benefits, educational opportunities, and job quotas for backward Muslim groups, especially those in the Pasmanda category.

• Political Strategy: The move also dismantles a key opposition plank. The Congress party had been demanding a caste Census, and by announcing this, the BJP takes political initiative, especially ahead of upcoming elections.

Caste System Among Indian Muslims

Prominent sociologist Imtiaz Ahmad in his 1973 study, Caste and Social Stratification among Muslims in India, highlighted how Muslims in India have developed caste-like hierarchies, contrary to the Islamic belief of a caste-free society.

These divisions include:

• Ashrafs (considered upper-caste Muslims like Sayyids and Pathans),

• Ajlafs (artisans and agriculturists), and

• Arzals (dalit Muslims involved in menial work).

Ahmad emphasized that these divisions lead to social discrimination and economic exclusion, very similar to what is seen in Hindu caste hierarchies.

Pasmanda Muslims: Who Are They?

Pasmanda Muslims, derived from the Persian word for “marginalised” or “those left behind,” refer to the lower caste and backward class Muslims such as Ansaris, Qureshis, Saifis, and others engaged in traditional occupations like weaving, butchery, carpentry, and blacksmithing.

Over the years, many of these groups have been included in OBC categories, receiving reservations in education and government jobs, depending on state and central lists. However, due to lack of granular caste-based data, their exact population, socio-economic status, and representation in public life remains unclear.

Muslim Reservations Across Indian States

India does not allow reservations based purely on religion, but Muslim groups receive benefits under the OBC quota if they meet criteria of backwardness. Here's a breakdown of how Muslim reservations work across states:

• Kerala: All Muslims are classified under the OBC category, with 8% reserved in education and 10% in government jobs.

• Tamil Nadu: Around 95% of Muslim communities are recognized under the state’s OBC list.

• Bihar: The state distinguishes backward and most backward classes, with most Muslims falling in the most backward category.

• Karnataka: Earlier, 4% was reserved for all Muslims under OBC, but the BJP government scrapped this and reallocated it to dominant Hindu castes like Lingayats and Vokkaligas.

These examples show how policy implementation varies and why accurate caste-based data is essential for equitable governance.

The BJP’s Political Angle

The BJP has historically opposed religion-based reservations, stating they go against constitutional provisions. However, by supporting caste-based enumeration, including for Muslims, the BJP:

• Strengthens its appeal among Pasmanda Muslims, who feel left out of mainstream Muslim leadership.

• Breaks the unity of the Muslim vote bank, which has often leaned towards Congress and other opposition parties.

• Counters the narrative that BJP is anti-Muslim by focusing on backwardness instead of religion.

Several BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have in recent speeches emphasized the need for uplifting Pasmanda Muslims. This caste Census will provide statistical backing for such claims.

Potential Impacts of Caste-Wise Muslim Data

The outcomes of this data collection can be far-reaching:

• Enhanced Representation: With numbers in hand, Pasmanda groups can push for better representation in political parties, public employment, and decision-making bodies.

• Policy Focus: Governments may be forced to restructure OBC quotas, leading to sub-categorisation within OBCs to ensure the most backward among Muslims get their due share.

• Social Justice Movements: The data could become the foundation for new social justice movements within the Muslim community, much like Dalit movements among Hindus.

• Educational and Economic Planning: Schemes can be tailored to target actual need, improving education, employment, healthcare, and housing outcomes for underprivileged Muslims.

Criticism and Concerns

While many have welcomed the move, there are concerns:

• Tokenism or Real Change?: Critics argue that this could be a symbolic gesture with little follow-up unless policy actions back the data.

• Political Motivation: Opposition parties claim the move is aimed at electoral gains, especially in states with significant Muslim populations.

• Intra-community tensions: Acknowledging caste divisions could deepen rifts within the Muslim community, as Ashraf leaders have historically dominated Muslim political and religious spaces.

Conclusion: A New Era in Inclusive Governance

The decision to include caste-wise enumeration of Muslims in the next Census is a landmark development in India’s socio-political landscape. For the first time, the diversity and hierarchy within the Muslim community will be acknowledged officially.

This not only empowers Pasmanda Muslims, who have long been at the margins of socio-political power, but also allows the government to plan better and distribute resources more equitably.

However, the true impact of this initiative will depend on how sincerely the data is used to drive policy changes, and not just influence politics. With proper follow-through, this could become a turning point in India’s journey towards social justice and inclusion.

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