CASTE CENSUS: A Lesson from Nagaland’s Successful Census 2011

By Nagesh Bhushan

The Census 2011 in Nagaland stands as a model of effective data collection in a culturally unique and geographically challenging region, driven by robust community participation and strategic public awareness campaigns. With India’s government approving caste enumeration for the upcoming census—the first comprehensive caste count since 1931—Nagaland’s experience offers a blueprint for implementing a caste census nationwide. 

Census 2011 in Nagaland: A Triumph of Community Engagement

The Process

Nagaland’s Census 2011, conducted in two phases—house listing (April–June 2010) and population enumeration (February–March 2011)—achieved remarkable success through community involvement. The state’s Directorate of Census Operations launched extensive pre-census awareness campaigns to educate its 1.98 million residents, 71% of whom live in rural areas. These campaigns were critical in a state dominated by Scheduled Tribes (STs, 86.5%) and characterized by linguistic diversity (16 major tribes with distinct dialects).

Nagaland’s communitization model, where local communities manage public services, was central to the process. Village councils, tribal hohos (apex tribal bodies), and church networks mobilized residents, ensuring enumerator access to remote villages. Public appeals, such as those issued before Phase II, urged citizens to provide accurate data, framing the census as a collective responsibility. Local enumerators, trained to respect tribal customs and navigate cultural nuances, collected data effectively. Campaigns likely utilized local radio, church announcements, and community gatherings, leveraging Nagaland’s predominantly Christian population to maximize outreach.

By addressing logistical challenges (rugged terrain, dispersed settlements) and cultural sensitivities, the process achieved near-universal coverage, setting a high standard for community-driven data collection.

Achievements

Census 2011 in Nagaland yielded significant outcomes:

Widespread Participation: Community mobilization ensured high cooperation, with village councils facilitating enumerator access and encouraging honest responses.

Reliable Demographic Data: The census recorded a population of 1,978,502, a unique negative decadal growth rate (-0.58%), a literacy rate of 79.55% (above the national 73%), and gender-specific insights (e.g., 11.5% female-headed rural households).

Enhanced Trust: Aligning with communitization built trust in public institutions, positioning the census as a locally owned initiative.

Policy Impact: The data informed disaster management, tribal development, and welfare programs, reinforcing community roles.

Global Recognition: Nagaland’s communitization model, showcased during the census, built on its 2008 UN Public Service Award for participatory governance.

These achievements highlight the power of community engagement in overcoming barriers, offering lessons for a caste census.