Centre Confirms Caste Survey as Part of Next National Census
In a significant policy shift, the Union Government of India has announced that caste enumeration will be officially included in the next national census. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the declaration during a Cabinet Committee briefing, stating that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has formally approved the inclusion of caste-based data collection in the upcoming census exercise. This move marks a major departure from the Centre’s previous stance, which had resisted calls for a caste census.
Vaishnaw emphasized that this decision aligns with the Modi government’s broader agenda of social justice and inclusive governance, asserting that accurate caste data would enhance the delivery of welfare programs. The Centre’s decision also comes amid growing political pressure, especially from opposition parties and various state governments that have already conducted caste surveys independently.
Highlights:
Caste enumeration will be part of the forthcoming national census.
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs.
Marks a major policy shift from the government’s earlier position.
The move is aimed at strengthening social justice mechanisms.
Political Reversal Amid Ongoing Pressure From Opposition and States
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw used the announcement as an opportunity to criticize the Congress party, accusing it of historically blocking caste census efforts. In contrast, Vaishnaw positioned the current administration as being proactive and inclusive by prioritizing a scientific and institutional approach to caste enumeration. This shift from opposing caste data collection to endorsing it within the official census is viewed as a politically significant move, especially in light of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections later this year.
The government appears to be responding to rising demands from various political parties and regional governments, including NDA-ruled Bihar, which conducted its own caste census in 2023. Several opposition leaders have consistently demanded national-level caste data to recalibrate affirmative action policies, especially in education and public employment.
Highlights:
Union Minister Vaishnaw blamed Congress for opposing caste census historically.
The move is seen as a political reversal from the Centre’s previous stance.
Announcement comes ahead of Bihar elections, where caste dynamics are critical.
Several states have already completed or initiated caste surveys independently.
Citing Unscientific Surveys by States, Centre Pushes for Transparency
While justifying the decision, Ashwini Vaishnaw described the caste enumeration exercises conducted by individual states as “unscientific”, adding that inclusion within the census will ensure a transparent and standardised approach. According to the minister, such official data would support national policy design and remove the ambiguities caused by piecemeal regional surveys.
Vaishnaw argued that only the Census of India, with its nationwide scale and structured methodology, could produce reliable caste data to ensure that India’s social and economic fabric remains stable while enhancing welfare planning. He also pointed out the Centre’s successful implementation of 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), which was done without triggering social unrest—citing it as proof of the government’s ability to implement inclusive policies without divisiveness.
Highlights:
Centre termed state-conducted caste surveys as “unscientific”.
National census will offer transparent and standardized caste data.
Caste enumeration seen as crucial for strengthening social cohesion and welfare.
Centre pointed to its EWS reservation policy as an example of balanced implementation.
Bihar’s Caste Survey as a Reference Point in Policy Rationale
The decision to incorporate caste enumeration in the census gains relevance against the backdrop of Bihar’s landmark caste survey, completed in 2023. The Bihar report was the first comprehensive caste-based enumeration since independence, revealing that OBCs comprised 63.13%, Scheduled Castes 19.65%, Scheduled Tribes 1.68%, and upper castes 15.52% of the state’s population.
This data has played a pivotal role in political narratives and demands for expanding affirmative action. It also influenced states like Andhra Pradesh, which launched a similar survey in January 2025 to compile caste-linked socio-economic data. By bringing caste enumeration into the official census framework, the Union government aims to bring legitimacy and uniformity to the process while also gaining valuable input for policy calibration.
Highlights:
Bihar’s 2023 caste survey acted as a catalyst for national discourse.
Survey found OBCs to be 63.13% of Bihar’s population.
Andhra Pradesh began a similar exercise in January 2025.
Centre aims to use census enumeration to standardize caste data collection.
Strategic Timing and Political Implications
The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Bihar assembly elections on the horizon and caste politics playing a prominent role. The move is likely aimed at neutralizing opposition criticism while also appealing to key electoral segments, particularly Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other marginalized communities.
This strategic shift also positions the Modi government as responsive to grassroots demands, while attempting to balance caste-based politics with broader economic and social reform goals. With the demand for social justice-based policymaking gaining traction nationally, the inclusion of caste data in the next census could become a defining factor in electoral narratives going forward.
Highlights:
Announcement has clear political implications ahead of Bihar elections.
Likely to influence voter sentiment, especially among OBC and SC communities.
Seen as an effort to neutralize opposition demands for a caste census.
Reinforces Modi government’s image as pro-social justice without fragmenting social order.
