What Is a Caste-Based Census and Why Is It Important Today?
A caste-based census refers to the systematic counting of individuals based on their caste identities. It helps the government design reservation policies, welfare schemes, and social justice frameworks that are based on real demographic data. But has India ever done this before?
History of Caste Census in India: From British Rule to 1947
- The first caste census in India was conducted by the British in 1881, and this continued until 1931.
- In 1941, caste data was collected again but never officially released.
- After independence in 1947, Indian leaders like Nehru, Ambedkar, and Patel opposed continuing caste enumeration, fearing social division.
What Changed After Independence? Caste Data Limited to SC/ST
- The first independent Indian census was held in 1951.
- Since then, only Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) have been counted in every decennial census.
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and general caste groups have not been officially counted.
Did You Know? The Constitution of India under Articles 330 and 332 mandates SC/ST reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies based on census data.
Why Only SC/ST Census Is Done (And Not OBC)?
- SC/ST reservation is legally mandated, hence their population must be counted every decade.
- No such provision currently exists for OBC or general caste groups, despite repeated political demands.
Example: In 2023, states like Bihar and Karnataka conducted their own caste surveys, with Bihar even releasing the data publicly.
Breaking News: Modi Government Approves Nationwide Caste Census (April 2025)
On 30 April 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, led by PM Narendra Modi, approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census.
Key Members of the Committee:
- PM Narendra Modi
- Rajnath Singh
- Amit Shah
- Nitin Gadkari
- Nirmala Sitharaman
- Piyush Goyal
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated:
“Congress always opposed caste census. In 2010, they formed a ministerial group but never acted seriously. Now, the central government will include caste count in the next census.”
When Will the Caste Census Be Held and Released?
- The last Indian census was conducted in 2011.
- The 2021 census was postponed due to COVID-19.
- With Bihar elections approaching in Oct–Nov 2025, the caste census could start in September 2025.
- The final caste census results are expected by late 2026 or early 2027.
Rahul Gandhi responded:
“We support it. But the government must set a timeline. We conducted caste census in Telangana—it can be a model. Representation in top positions must also be measured.”
How Will the Caste Census Be Conducted?
The census happens in two stages, conducted by trained enumerators (govt employees):
1. House Listing & Housing Census (1–2 months):
- Data on electricity, water, sanitation, property ownership, etc.
2. Population Enumeration (1 month):
- Includes questions on name, age, gender, marital status, education, employment, SC/ST status, and now—caste.
The Census Act, 1948 ensures data confidentiality. Until 2011, there were 29 columns in the form. New columns for caste will now be added.
Will Muslim Castes Be Included in the Census?
Yes. According to analyst Rasheed Kidwai, backward Muslim communities will also be counted. This inclusion could lead to demands for greater representation, not just for Muslims, but also for women, minorities, and regional castes.
Why the Caste Census Matters for India’s Future
- It can reshape reservation policies across education, jobs, and politics.
- It ensures data-driven governance for social welfare.
- It may reignite debates around equality, meritocracy, and representation.
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Conclusion
The caste census is one of the most significant political and social decisions of our time. With the Modi government’s recent approval, India is stepping into an era of data-backed inclusivity and transparency—but it also opens up a Pandora’s box of political, social, and legal challenges.