India has officially announced that its upcoming national census will, for the first time in independent India, include detailed caste enumeration. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to incorporate caste enumeration into the next decadal census. The announcement was made by Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who emphasised the government's commitment to "the values and interests of society and the country."
The decision to include caste enumeration in India's national census signals a historic and potentially transformative policy shift. For the first time since 1931, India will gather comprehensive data on all caste groups, moving beyond the limited focus on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes that has shaped every census since independence. This marks a turning point in how the country understands and engages with its deep-rooted social hierarchies.
However, the process is certainly filled with challenges. Politically, the caste census has the potential to stir controversy and sharpen identity-based politics. On top of that, logistically, recording hundreds of castes and sub-castes with accuracy will require an unprecedented level of strong coordination. There are also concerns that the data could be used to reshape reservation policies, potentially igniting debates and resistance from various social groups.
Supporters of this venture argue that accurate and detailed caste data is essential for crafting inclusive policies and achieving true social justice. With a clearer picture of the socio-economic conditions of Other Backward Classes and other marginalised communities, policymakers can better allocate resources and reform welfare systems. The demand for such a census has grown louder in recent years, particularly from opposition parties and state governments, who see it as a necessary tool for evidence-based governance.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)