Importance of Caste-Based Headcounts: An Analysis of Caste Specific Demographics Transition in India

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D. P. Singh
Srei Chanda
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3281-0705
L. K. Dwivedi
Priyanka Dixit
Somnath Jana

Abstract

Caste has always been a subject of socio-political segregation in India. Inequality across caste is prominent for varying health and development outcomes, which is a subject less researched till date. Four rounds of National Family Health Surveys (1–4) conducted in the last 25 years are analysed to portray the fertility and mortality differentials across castes/ tribes. The article signifies, that distinct inter and intra-caste differences in association with the region of residence are present that must be taken into consideration while understanding the health outcomes. Despite a decline in the fertility and child mortality rates in India, caste-wise differentials suggests that the decline is associated with the socio-economic position and transition experienced by these groups. Though schemes and benefits are targeted towards backwards castes, however, sub-castes under each caste are far from realization of those benefits at equal pace. Realization of the developmental processes among castes is a matter of proper enumeration and intricate research that rationalize the distributive and affirmative policies of India.

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How to Cite
Singh, D., Chanda, S., Dwivedi, L., Dixit, P., & Jana, S. (2023). Importance of Caste-Based Headcounts: An Analysis of Caste Specific Demographics Transition in India. CASTE / A Global Journal on Social Exclusion, 4(1), 75-91. https://doi.org/10.26812/caste.v4i1.497
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Research Articles