India to Include Caste Census in 2025 Population Survey: A Historic Policy Shift

Caste Census: In a landmark move poised to redefine India’s data-driven governance framework, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that caste enumeration in census will officially be included in the upcoming national census. This significant decision was made during the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) meeting held on Wednesday and was revealed during a press briefing later in the day.

“Under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today (April 30, 2025) that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming Census,” said Mr. Vaishnaw. “This demonstrates our government’s commitment to social equity, similar to how we introduced 10% reservation for economically weaker sections.”

The inclusion of caste enumeration in the national census signals a historic policy shift, aiming to bring clarity, inclusiveness, and transparency to the country’s complex socio-economic fabric.

Why Caste Enumeration in Census Matters

A caste census is more than just a statistical operation—it is a tool to understand the deep-rooted social hierarchies and demographic realities of Indian society. It provides vital information on caste-based demographics, their socio-economic conditions, and levels of educational attainment. This data allows the government to better target welfare programs and address inequality in a structured, informed manner.

For decades, policymakers, social activists, and scholars have argued that without accurate and comprehensive data on all caste groups, especially the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), it becomes challenging to implement effective affirmative action and resource allocation.

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Opposition’s Role in the Caste Census and Historical Context

Interestingly, Mr. Vaishnaw also used the platform to criticise the Indian National Congress and its INDI Alliance partners for what he described as their inconsistent stance on the caste census.

“Congress governments have always opposed caste census,” Vaishnaw said. “Despite multiple recommendations and the formation of a Group of Ministers in 2010 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Congress administration decided against a caste census and instead settled for a mere survey—known as the SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census).”

He further emphasized that such fragmented surveys conducted by various states have only fueled confusion and political opportunism. “Many state-level caste surveys lacked transparency and consistency, raising doubts in society and weakening our social fabric,” he added.

The Constitutional Backing and Central Responsibility

Citing Article 246 of the Indian Constitution and Entry 69 in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule, Vaishnaw clarified that conducting the Census, including caste enumeration, is the exclusive responsibility of the Central Government. While some states have conducted independent surveys, the data remains unverified at the national level, limiting its efficacy in policymaking.

With the centralisation of this exercise, the Union Government hopes to remove ambiguity, eliminate duplication, and build a national framework based on trustworthy and transparent data.

Support from the Opposition and Public Voices

Despite the political jibes, many leaders across party lines have welcomed the decision. Several opposition figures who have long advocated for a caste-based census see this as a victory for the marginalized and a step toward equitable representation.

Senior Congress leaders, who had previously pressed for the release of SECC data, noted that while the decision came late, it was nonetheless a necessary and progressive step.

Caste Enumeration in Census: A Historical Lens

The last official caste-based census was conducted in 1931, during British rule. Since India‘s independence, census operations have excluded broader caste data, focusing only on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Although the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) attempted to bridge this gap, its results were never released due to concerns over data reliability. This created a significant void in the understanding of caste demographics, especially concerning OBCs.

According to historical data, the combined SC-ST population stood at 21.54% in 1971 and rose to 25.26% in 2011, suggesting that socio-economically weaker groups tend to have higher growth rates. However, without detailed caste data, many communities remain statistically invisible.

Implications for Policy and Society

The government has assured that caste enumeration in census will be conducted with the utmost transparency and confidentiality. Officials claim this will help the country take a significant leap forward in ensuring social justice, fair representation, and need-based welfare distribution.

Inclusion of caste data will assist:

• Identifying underserved communities

• Tailoring education and employment policies

• Monitoring the effectiveness of reservations and welfare schemes

• Strategizing rural development programs

By grounding policies in real, updated data, the government hopes to build a more inclusive India—one that rises above outdated assumptions and political maneuvering.

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