India’s cabinet has approved the inclusion of citizens’ caste details in its population census, aiming to gain an initiative on a sensitive issue ahead of regional elections. The decision comes months after opposition parties demanded a socio-economic caste census and quota cap amendment.
The census, originally due in 2021, was delayed by the pandemic and technical issues. Critics say the inclusion of caste data is unnecessary for a country aspiring to become a major world power, while supporters argue it’s crucial for targeted government assistance.
The decision has sparked controversy, with some states having conducted caste surveys in the past, while others have done so in a “non-transparent way.” Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that including caste data would ensure transparency and accuracy.
This move is closely tied to the upcoming regional elections in the eastern state of Bihar, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party will seek to retain power. The opposition Congress party has demanded a socio-economic caste census and support for raising the 50% cap on quotas for backward castes.
The inclusion of caste data in the census is seen as a significant development in the country’s approach to its complex social hierarchy, with some analysts fearing it could lead to demands for increasing the quota cap.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-count-castes-citizens-its-delayed-population-census-2025-04-30