Caste Census to Be Part of 2025 Count: A Game-Changer for Equity

India will include caste data in the 2025 Census, a historic move aimed at creating equitable, data-driven welfare policies for marginalized communities.

Centre’s Caste Census Decision Marks a Turning Point for Social Policy

In a landmark policy shift, the Indian government has announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming 2025 national census. The decision, taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), reflects a growing recognition of the role data plays in crafting equitable policies, especially for historically marginalized communities.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement public on Wednesday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive development. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the cabinet has decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. This decision shows our dedication to the values and interests of all sections of society,” he said.

A Timely Political and Social Strategy

The announcement carries profound political weight, especially with state elections looming in Bihar—a state where caste identity significantly shapes voter behavior. While opposition parties have long demanded a caste census to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) broad Hindu voter base, this move now shifts that narrative. It may help the BJP counteract opposition strategies and reaffirm its commitment to marginalized communities.

Notably, Bihar has already conducted a caste survey under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU), which revealed that backward communities constitute nearly two-thirds of the state’s population. The data sparked nationwide conversations about representation and allocation of welfare benefits.

Broad NDA Support, Stronger Federal Narrative

The caste census announcement has drawn strong support from the BJP’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies. Parties like the JDU, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party quickly praised the move, calling it “historic” and “visionary.”

Union Minister and LJP leader Chirag Paswan echoed this sentiment, noting that caste enumeration was a long-standing demand of his party. “This decision answers all the speculation and marks a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusive development,” Paswan said.

RLSP’s Upendra Kushwaha went further, calling the move a “milestone” for the empowerment of disadvantaged communities. Apna Dal’s Anupriya Patel also hailed the decision, noting that caste data collection had not been undertaken since 1931—a lapse that left significant gaps in welfare planning.

Lessons from the Past: Why Caste Data Matters

Caste was last officially recorded in the British-led 1931 census. Post-independence, the Indian government discontinued this practice, fearing it could entrench caste divisions. However, over time, the absence of data has made it increasingly difficult to accurately target resources and measure the success of affirmative action policies.

In 2011, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), but its data was never released due to inconsistencies. “The Congress used the 2011 SECC as a political tool without transparency,” Vaishnaw stated, blaming the former government for inaction.

Now, the Modi-led government says it intends to change that. “State-level surveys have only created confusion,” Vaishnaw added. “The census should be the primary vehicle for caste enumeration, conducted in a transparent, scientific manner.”

A Path Toward Data-Driven Social Justice

Experts suggest that including caste in the census could dramatically reshape social policy. With clear data, policymakers would be better equipped to assess the needs of various communities and allocate resources accordingly. “This is not just about representation—it’s about evidence-based governance,” said sociologist Dr. Rukmini Rao. “When governments know who needs help and where the gaps are, they can plan more effectively.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu applauded the initiative, saying it showcases Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to “inclusive governance.” The move, he added, will help “transform the slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ into actionable outcomes.”

Challenges Ahead: Ensuring Accuracy and Avoiding Pitfalls

Despite the optimism, there are challenges. Caste identities are fluid and often politicized, which could complicate enumeration. Critics warn that the process must be handled sensitively to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or triggering social tensions.

Transparency, as emphasized by the Centre, will be crucial. A poorly executed census could deepen existing divides rather than bridge them. Hence, the success of this initiative will depend on its methodology, clarity of purpose, and political will.

Conclusion: A Data Revolution with Deep Roots

The decision to reintroduce caste enumeration into India’s official census marks a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic journey. By recognizing the need for updated, accurate data, the Centre is setting the stage for smarter, fairer policies rooted in ground realities. While the road ahead requires careful navigation, the intent signals a shift toward inclusive, data-driven governance—one that could reshape India’s social contract for decades to come.

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and reflects developments as of April 2025. It does not intend to promote or criticize any political party. Readers are encouraged to verify information through official government releases or news outlets.

source : Hindustan times