Cabinet Approves Caste Enumeration in Upcoming Census to Ensure Holistic Social Data.
New Delhi:
The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. This historic decision marks a significant shift in India’s data collection strategy, aiming to promote social equity and informed policymaking.
The move reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the socio-economic fabric of the nation and addressing long-standing demands for accurate caste data. The census, a Union subject under Article 246 of the Constitution, will now formally record caste details — a practice excluded from post-Independence censuses.
Officials emphasized that unlike earlier state-led caste surveys — some of which lacked transparency and were seen as politically motivated — this enumeration will be integrated into the official Census process, ensuring standardization and credibility.
The government believes that incorporating caste data into the main census will help develop policies that are better aligned with the real socio-economic conditions of various communities, without inciting division or unrest. Notably, the 10% reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) was implemented without societal tension, setting a precedent for inclusive development.
This decision also addresses a long-pending issue dating back to 2010, when discussions on caste census began under the UPA government but were left inconclusive.
