People with disabilities are demanding inclusion in the caste census to address the unique challenges they face due to social exclusion and marginalization. This demand highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion in India.

Key Concerns:

• Social Exclusion: People with disabilities face exclusion from participating in economic, social, and political life, exacerbating their poverty and inequality.
• Lack of Access: They encounter barriers in accessing healthcare, education, employment, and other essential services.
• Intersectional Marginalization: Individuals with disabilities from marginalized groups, such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, face compound disadvantages.

Potential Benefits of Inclusion:

• Improved Policy Making: Accurate data on people with disabilities can inform targeted policies and interventions.
• Enhanced Access to Services: Inclusion in the census can help identify areas where accessibility and services need improvement.
• Increased Representation: Recognizing people with disabilities in the census can promote their representation and participation in decision-making processes.

Challenges:

• Data Collection: Accurately counting people with disabilities requires careful consideration of methodology and definitions.
• Awareness and Sensitization: Census takers and policymakers need training to understand and address the concerns of people with disabilities effectively ¹.