Government considering caste count in next census: Report
The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is reportedly contemplating the inclusion of a caste count in the upcoming Census. This consideration comes after persistent demands from opposition parties and allies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Hindu cited government sources stating that active discussions are underway regarding this potential expansion of data collection.
No decision made yet on caste count
A government source revealed to The Hindu that discussions are ongoing about adding a column for recording caste in the next Census. However, no final decision has been made yet. The last Census was conducted in 2011, with subsequent surveys being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic among other reasons. It remains unclear when the next Census will commence.
Opposition parties demand inclusion of caste data
The demand for including caste data in the Census has been consistently raised by opposition parties such as the Congress. Allies within the NDA, including Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), have also echoed this demand. According to a government source, these demands are partly responsible for the delay in conducting the next Census.
India's population census likely to begin in September
Notably, Reuters reported that India is expected to initiate the long-delayed population Census in September. Two government officials involved in the process confirmed that this comprehensive survey will take approximately 18 months to complete. The results are anticipated by March 2026. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation are developing a detailed timeline for the Census, awaiting final approval from the Prime Minister's Office.
Previous attempts at caste count in India
India has never included a caste count in its Census. In 2011, the Congress-led UPA government conducted a separate caste count but did not disclose the data. The Centre informed the Supreme Court in 2021 that this caste data was riddled with "mistakes and inaccuracies." In 2015, Karnataka's Congress government commissioned a caste census but has not yet released the data.
Bihar's caste survey, budget cuts for census
In 2023, Bihar became the first Indian state to conduct its own caste survey under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Despite the importance of the upcoming Census, which will be India's first digital one, there has been a significant reduction in this year's budget allocation for it. The Union Cabinet had initially approved ₹8,754.23 crore for the census and an additional ₹3,941.35 crore for updating the National Population Register (NPR).
