India is set to include caste details in its next census, a move that has significant socio-economic and political implications for the country. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision on Wednesday, citing it as a demonstration of New Delhi’s commitment to society’s values.
The inclusion of caste information will lead to demands to raise quotas for certain castes in government jobs, college admissions, and elected offices. Currently, India caps quotas at 50% for all groups, but opponents argue that this data is necessary for implementing social justice programs effectively.
Caste has been a critical aspect of Indian life and politics since ancient times, with hundreds of groups recognized based on occupation and economic status. However, the country has limited data on the number of people belonging to these groups.
India’s history with census data has been patchy, with colonial Britain initially counting all castes until 1931, but independent India only counted certain groups after 1951. The next census was originally due in 2021 but has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical hurdles.
The announcement comes ahead of a crucial election in Bihar, where caste is a key issue, and has sparked pressure on the government from opposition parties and even within Modi’s own party.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/02/nx-s1-5384777/india-caste-census