New Delhi, April 30, 2025 — In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of caste data in the upcoming national census, marking the first such exercise since 1931. This move aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of India’s complex social structure and inform future policy decisions.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision, emphasizing the constitutional authority of the Centre to conduct such a census. He noted that while some state governments have undertaken caste surveys, these lacked the scope and accuracy of a nationwide enumeration.
The last official caste census was conducted in 1931 during British rule. Although the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was carried out in 2011, its caste data was never fully released or utilized, leading to criticism from various quarters.
The decision has garnered mixed reactions. The opposition Congress party welcomed the move, stating it was “better late than never,” and highlighted its longstanding demand for such an enumeration to address social inequalities.
While the exact timeline for the census has not been disclosed, the government has indicated that preparations are underway. The inclusion of caste data is expected to have significant implications for policy-making, particularly in areas related to affirmative action, resource allocation, and social welfare programs.
