Indian cabinet clears caste enumeration in census for first time since independence

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has formally approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census. The announcement was made via a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday evening, confirming a major policy shift in India’s approach to demographic data collection.

This marks the first time since independence that caste will be officially documented in the census beyond Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The decision is aimed at consolidating caste-related data under a centralised and constitutionally mandated mechanism to enhance policy formulation across economic and social sectors.

What Did the Government Approve Regarding Caste Census?

According to the official government release, the Cabinet has resolved to include caste enumeration as part of the upcoming census, which falls under Entry 69 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Citing Article 246, the Centre reiterated its exclusive jurisdiction over the census as a Union subject. Officials stated that the decision was taken after a detailed review of the socio-political implications of conducting state-level caste surveys, which had created inconsistencies and credibility concerns due to differing methodologies and political motivations.

By embedding caste enumeration in the centrally administered national census, the government intends to establish a single, transparent, and comprehensive dataset. Officials said this would eliminate the politicisation often associated with fragmented regional efforts and instead promote evidence-based governance.

What Triggered the Need for a Caste-Based Census Now?

Caste data has not been collected in the national census since 1931, except for SC/ST data. In 2010, during UPA-II, then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh informed Parliament that caste enumeration would be considered at the Cabinet level. A Group of Ministers was constituted, and several political parties advocated for it. However, the resulting initiative—the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)—was implemented separately and its caste-related findings were never formally released due to verification issues.

Since then, states like Bihar and Maharashtra have conducted or announced their own caste-based surveys. The Union Government’s latest decision follows rising public and political demand for comprehensive caste data to support social welfare planning and reservation policies.

How Will the Census Be Conducted and What Is Its Legal Basis?

The upcoming census, which has been delayed since 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now include caste as an official parameter. The responsibility for data collection will rest with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Officials clarified that unlike the SECC, which faced criticism for unreliable data capture and opaque methodology, the 2025 census will follow structured protocols under the Census Act and maintain legal accountability. The integration of caste data is expected to ensure consistency, prevent duplication, and deliver reliable statistics to aid policymaking.

Which Political Leaders Have Reacted to the Announcement?

Leaders from across party lines responded to the Centre’s decision. According to public statements, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi described the move as “a delayed but necessary step toward equitable policymaking.” Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has previously spearheaded caste surveys in his state, said the inclusion of caste enumeration in the census would offer the “credible data foundation that states have long demanded.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly criticised earlier governments for avoiding caste enumeration and said the Modi-led government had fulfilled a longstanding national expectation. Speaking indirectly through a press note, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the decision was rooted in “transparency and inclusiveness,” and reflected the government’s desire to ensure that “no section of society is left behind in the development process.”

Why Is the Inclusion of Caste Data Significant?

Caste has historically shaped access to education, employment, land, and other resources in India. However, in the absence of reliable and contemporary data, several welfare and reservation policies have relied on outdated estimates. Experts argue that a modern caste census can improve precision in social policy, especially for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who remain inadequately represented in national statistics despite forming a large part of the population.

The Centre’s announcement also cited the successful implementation of the 10 percent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) as an example of how inclusive measures can be rolled out without social discord, if managed through clear policy channels.

What Challenges Could Arise From a Caste Census?

While the move has garnered wide political support, there are concerns about the implementation and consequences of releasing caste data. Experts have pointed to the risk of misuse or politicisation of the findings, especially if the data is weaponised in electoral or policy debates.

Additionally, the government will need to standardise data entry protocols, reconcile regional caste classifications, and address potential overlaps in community nomenclature. Officials have confirmed that preliminary groundwork, including digital data capture infrastructure, is already underway in preparation for the 2025 census cycle.

What Happens Next and When Will Data Be Released?

The census will likely be rolled out in phases across the country between late 2025 and early 2026. The exact schedule is yet to be finalised. Once caste data is collected, it will undergo tabulation and validation through multiple layers of review before being published. No official timeline for the release of caste-specific findings has been announced.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has assured that caste data will be used exclusively to improve public service delivery, enhance policy design, and enable more equitable distribution of resources. Final approval for data dissemination will rest with the Union Cabinet.

Political and Social Implications of the Move

The Cabinet’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for upcoming state and general elections. Several political parties, especially those that represent OBC or marginalised interests, are likely to build policy platforms around the census results once released. Civil society organisations and advocacy groups are also expected to use the data to press for expanded welfare measures and affirmative action.

By integrating caste enumeration into a nationally standardised exercise, the Centre has sought to depoliticise the process. However, political observers remain watchful of how the data may influence future reservation ceilings, economic classification criteria, and legislative reform debates.