The political grapevine in Delhi is abuzz with talk about a secret annexure to the National Census Report. As usually happens, copies of the annexure leaked out far and wide. It has now become a favourite talking point in parties and social gatherings.
According to its findings, the population growth of gangsters has increased at an alarming rate since the last 1991 Census. From 36.7 per cent in 1991, the growth rate in the 2001 Census went up to 73.7 percent. Similarly, the growth rate of scamsters shot up from 24.5 per cent in 1991 to 86.3 per cent in 2001. In contrast, the growth rate of petty thieves has actually declined from 56.6 per cent in 1991 to 37.8 per cent in 2001.
This has caused consternation among sociologists and politicians. But anxieties subsided somewhat after the Census Commission acknowledged that errors had crept into the first report. In 1991, the gangsters of some border states had not been included because at that time no census was possible in those states. As for the sharp increase among scamsters, it has been attributed to the large number of nris steadily infiltrating into the country.
However, certain Opposition leaders were not to be placated. One senior leader pointed out that if the growth rate of petty criminals continued to decline compared to the growth rate of gangsters and scamsters, the nation would be subverted. "We are losing our traditional way of life," the leader asserted.
But ruling politicians point out that the original census report was erroneous. It would therefore be wrong to politicise the issue and hastily draw wrong conclusions. It is understood that the government has ordered an inquiry into the release of the false report. Members of the gangster and scamster communities are understandably incensed.
Officials claim that the real figures are not alarming. They point out that the growth rate figures of conmen and pimps have actually declined. Demographers ascribe the decline of pimps to cultural changes that have enhanced free enterprise in society. But they concede that the decline among conmen is misleading. Conmen appear to be reduced because consultants have started to claim that they are a separate community.
Some influential voices are being raised against census reports based on enumerating different categories. As one senior political leader privately said, "Why have a census on the basis of groups? That will only accentuate divisions. We should focus on population as a whole. Why can't we Indians learn to live like one happy criminal family?"
(Puri can be reached at rajinderpuri2000@yahoo.com)
