SRINAGAR: In a landmark decision that could reshape India’s understanding of its social fabric, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census. The move marks a significant policy shift, reinstating caste data collection into the main census process for the first time since independence.
According to a government statement, the decision reflects the Union Government’s commitment to the “holistic interests and values of the nation and society” and seeks to ensure that the country’s progress remains economically and socially inclusive. The statement also emphasised that the decision was taken to uphold transparency, avoid political misuse, and foster a unified approach across the nation.
Under Article 246 of the Constitution, the census is a Union subject listed at entry 69 in the Seventh Schedule, making it the exclusive responsibility of the central government. While several states have previously undertaken caste-based surveys, the Centre noted that these initiatives have lacked uniform standards and have occasionally been influenced by narrow political objectives, leading to confusion and social unease.
“Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey,” the statement read.
The government argued that an official, centrally administered caste enumeration would not only provide accurate data but also help formulate targeted policies to uplift disadvantaged communities. It also drew attention to the successful implementation of the 10 per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), noting that the measure was widely accepted without creating social rifts—an example the government sees as a precedent for managing sensitive affirmative action measures.
The last major effort at caste-based data collection was the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) in 2011, initiated by the previous UPA government. Despite broad political support, the SECC remained a standalone survey and not part of the formal census. Then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had informed the Lok Sabha in 2010 that the issue would be considered by a Group of Ministers. Though the group was formed and many parties supported the idea of a caste census, it never materialised during the UPA’s tenure.
With this new decision, the Modi government appears poised to take a definitive step toward institutionalising caste data in policymaking. The move is expected to have wide-ranging implications on resource allocation, reservation policies, and developmental strategies, particularly as debates around social justice gain momentum across states.
The census with caste enumeration is likely to be conducted after the conclusion of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
