Caste Census to Be Included in Upcoming National Census, Confirms Ashwini Vaishnaw

In a major policy shift, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on April 30, 2025, that the next national Census will include caste-based enumeration. The decision was approved by the Union Cabinet and the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A Step Towards Social Justice and Better Governance

During a press briefing, Vaishnaw stated that caste data is crucial for promoting social equity and ensuring inclusive policymaking. Citing the example of the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), he said this move reflects the government’s goal of building data-driven and inclusive policies.

“This is a historic step. Accurate caste data will help create policies that reflect the real social landscape of India,” he added.

He emphasized that updated caste data will allow the government to:

• Design more targeted welfare schemes,
• Improve resource allocation,
• Address social inequality more effectively.

Criticism of Past Approaches

Vaishnaw criticized the Congress-led UPA and the INDIA bloc, accusing them of politicizing the caste issue without taking meaningful action. He noted that while there was a push for caste data in 2010, the UPA conducted a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) instead of incorporating it into the official Census. This led to incomplete and unreliable data.

A Brief History of Caste Data Collection in India

• The last full caste-based Census was in 1931.
• After 1951, caste enumeration (except for SCs and STs) was discontinued to promote unity.
• Changing social dynamics and demands for data-driven governance have revived calls for a comprehensive caste census.

Why a Caste Census Is Important

1)     To Fight Social Inequality

• Caste discrimination remains widespread in India.
• A caste census can help identify marginalized communities and bring them into the focus of policymaking.

2)    To Ensure Fair Distribution of Resources

• Without accurate population data on OBCs and other caste groups, it’s hard to allocate resources fairly.
• The census will help tailor development programs to specific community needs.

3)    To Evaluate Affirmative Action Policies

• Reservation systems for OBCs and other groups need updated data to measure their impact.
• This census will help track the success of these policies and guide future decisions.

4)    To Understand India’s Social Structure

• Caste influences education, jobs, marriage, and politics.
• A caste census will provide a clear picture of India’s social diversity, helping policymakers and researchers better understand societal challenges.

5)    Constitutional Support

• Article 340 of the Indian Constitution supports investigating the condition of socially and educationally backward classes, which makes the case for a caste census even stronger.

What This Means for India

Including caste data in the national Census will likely reshape:

• Reservation and quota policies in education and jobs,
• Welfare schemes for backward communities,
• Public resource allocation,
• Political strategies, especially during elections.

Experts believe this move will correct outdated assumptions and offer a realistic understanding of India’s population, since the last official caste count (excluding SC/STs) was in 1931.