SECC List 2011 – Socio Economic Caste Census 2011: Full Details, Process, Importance & Methodology

SECC-2011 (Socio Economic Caste Census 2011) is a nationwide study conducted by the Government of India to assess the socio-economic status of households in rural and urban areas. Unlike the Population Census, SECC allows the ranking of households based on predefined deprivation and inclusion parameters, enabling governments to identify beneficiaries for welfare and development schemes.

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) commenced SECC-2011 on 29 June 2011, using a comprehensive door-to-door enumeration process across India. The data generated through this exercise is now widely used for policy formulation, research, and implementation of social welfare programmes.

Authorities Involved in SECC 2011

SECC-2011 consisted of three census components, conducted by different authorities under overall coordination of the Department of Rural Development:

1. Rural Census
   Conducted by: Department of Rural Development (DoRD)
2. Urban Census
   Conducted by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA)
3. Caste Census
   Conducted by: Office of Registrar General of India (RGI), Ministry of Home Affairs

Nature and Characteristics of SECC Data

While using SECC-2011 data, the following points must be clearly understood:

1. Respondent-Based Data

• Data is based on information revealed by households to enumerators
• Verified and countersigned by enumerators
• Approved through Gram Sabha and Panchayat verification

2. Housing Classification

• Houses categorized as Kuccha or Pucca based on predominant material used in walls and roof
• Classification is respondent-based

3. Ownership Status

• Ownership of house recorded as per household declaration

4. Main Source of Income (Rural Areas)

Income sources include:

• Cultivation
• Manual casual labour
• Domestic service (part/full time)
• Non-agricultural own enterprise
• Begging/charity/alms
• Others (not sub-classified)

5. Multidimensional Poverty Approach

SECC does not rely solely on income. Instead, it measures:

• Housing quality
• Employment insecurity
• Education status
• Dependency ratio
• Social vulnerability

This approach enables accurate identification of deprived households even when income data is incomplete.

Enumeration Blocks and Household Ranking

• SECC-2011 covers 24 lakh enumeration blocks
• Each block contains around 125 households
• Uses:
  • Automatic Exclusion Criteria
  • Automatic Inclusion Criteria
  • Deprivation Indicators

This allows systematic ranking and categorization of households for welfare benefits.

SECC 2011 vs Population Census 2011

Because both surveys were conducted at different times and with different objectives, their data may not fully overlap.

Official Website Link – Click Here

Transparency, Claims & Objection Process

Unlike Population Census, SECC data is publicly verifiable.

Claims & Objections Process (Introduced in Nov 2012)

• Draft SECC lists displayed in Gram Sabhas
• Caste/Religion details were excluded from public display
• Households could file objections

Forms Used:

• Form A – Objection against inclusion
• Form B – Data correction
• Form C – Inclusion request
• Form D – Notice to concerned person
• Form E – Gram Sabha resolution

Outcome:

• Over 1.41 crore objections filed out of 17.97 crore households
• Led to time overrun but enhanced credibility and accuracy of final data

Roles & Responsibilities

Ministry of Rural Development

• Policy approval
• Software development
• Training manuals
• Financial sanctions
• National coordination
• Data quality checks

Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation

• Urban census supervision
• Training and publicity
• Data quality assurance

State Governments

• Appointment of enumerators
• Training & supervision
• Publicity at local level
• Fund utilization & accounting

Office of Registrar General of India

• NPR database
• House listing & maps
• Field supervision
• Technical support

SECC 2011 Methodology

Survey Method

• Respondent-based canvasser method
• Enumerator asks questions
• Data Entry Operator enters data in Hand Held Device (HHD)

Hand Held Devices

• Based on National Population Register (NPR) database
• Devices and software supplied by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Acknowledgement

• Each household received an acknowledgement slip after enumeration

Administrative & Training Structure

• Principal Secretary (RD/UD) – State-level authority
• District Collectors / DMs – Field execution
• Enumerators selected from:
  • Patwaris
  • Panchayat Secretaries
  • ASHA & Anganwadi Workers
  • Municipal & Postal Workers

Training Model

• National → State → District → Enumerator (Cascade Training)

Importance of SECC 2011

• Accurate identification of poor and vulnerable households
• Foundation for schemes like:
  • PMAY
  • NFSA
  • Pension & Scholarship schemes
• Enables targeted welfare delivery
• Enhances transparency and accountability

Conclusion

SECC List 2011 is a landmark exercise in India’s welfare governance framework. By adopting a multidimensional poverty approach and ensuring public verification, SECC-2011 has created a credible, transparent, and actionable socio-economic database. This data continues to guide government interventions and plays a vital role in inclusive development.