Narendra Modi govt makes history: Caste census gets green light after 94 years

In a major decision, the Narendra Modi-led government has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census, thereby ending many decades of political debate on the contentious issue. The decision, taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) today, marks a pivotal shift in India’s approach towards documenting its demography. The last time caste census was conducted was in 1931, when India was still under British rule.

A Long-Pending Demand

The announcement comes after years of deliberation over whether caste should be officially recorded in the census. While the Congress-led UPA government had formed a Group of Ministers in 2010 to consider the matter, it ultimately opted for a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) survey instead of including caste in the main census. The Modi government has criticized this approach, alleging that the Congress and its allies used the issue as a "political tool" rather than addressing it systematically.

Constitutional Clarity and Transparency

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the media today, immediately after making the decision public, stressed on the fact that census operations fall squarely under the Union government's jurisdiction, as per Article 246 of the Constitution.

"Some states have conducted surveys—I repeat, surveys—to enumerate castes. While some did this well, others pursued it purely for political gains in a non-transparent manner, creating societal doubts," he said.

Vaishnaw added, "To ensure our social fabric remains undisturbed by divisive politics, caste enumeration must be transparently integrated into the census itself. This will strengthen India's socio-economic framework while maintaining national progress."

A Move for Social Equity

The government framed the decision as part of its broader commitment to social justice, drawing parallels with its earlier introduction of a 10% quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) without disrupting existing reservations. "This decision reflects our dedication to the nation's values and interests," Vaishnaw stated.

Political Reactions and Implications

The move is expected to reshape political narratives ahead of key state elections, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with Opposition parties likely to scrutinize its implementation.

What Comes Next?

With the formal inclusion of caste data in the census, policymakers will gain unprecedented insights into India’s demographic disparities, potentially influencing future welfare schemes and reservation policies.

The government has assured that the process will be conducted transparently to avoid the controversies that plagued previous attempts.