New Delhi– The Government of India has announced that the upcoming national census will include caste-based enumeration. This decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the media that the caste-based census will be carried out in a fully transparent manner. He stated that this move will economically and socially empower Indian society and ensure the country’s progress.
It is noteworthy that the census process was originally scheduled to begin in April 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Vaishnaw criticized the Congress party during the announcement, saying that the party has always opposed caste-based census. He further stated that some parties used caste-based enumeration for political gains. In 2010, then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had said in Parliament that the subject of caste-based census should be discussed in the Cabinet. At that time, a ministerial group was formed. Most political parties had recommended conducting the caste-based census. However, the Congress government later proposed a limited survey named SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census), according to Vaishnaw.
Census is a subject under the Union List, mentioned in Entry 69 of the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule under Article 246.
Some states have already conducted caste surveys. While some carried it out transparently, others did it with unclear processes driven by political motives. The Railways Minister expressed concern that such surveys created doubt within society, and stressed that the enumeration should not disrupt the social fabric due to political influences.
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The caste-based census will be integrated with the national census. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the government’s decision, stating that it would play a crucial role in the development and upliftment of various social groups. The Bihar BJP unit also strongly supported the announcement and stated that they would take steps to raise awareness among the public on this matter.
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