“India to Include Caste Enumeration in Upcoming National Census: A Historic Move for Social Policy”

The Government of India has announced that the upcoming national population census will include caste enumeration, marking a significant policy shift after decades of debate. This decision was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and revealed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The move responds to long-standing demands from political parties and social justice advocates who argue that accurate caste data is essential for formulating effective welfare policies and addressing deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities.

Originally scheduled for 2021, the decennial census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technical challenges. The revised plan is to begin the enumeration process in 2025, with results expected to be published in 2026. This will be the first time since 1931 that a full caste census is undertaken at the national level. Although some states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have conducted independent caste surveys recently, this central initiative aims to provide a comprehensive and unified dataset for the entire country.

Officials emphasize that the caste enumeration will be conducted transparently and systematically, using modern digital tools to ensure accuracy and reliability. The data collected is expected to support better resource allocation, inform affirmative action policies, and guide future development strategies. While the decision has been welcomed by many, it is also expected to reignite political debates around caste and representation in India’s complex social fabric.