What is Caste Census and Why Is It Important for India?

Caste Census in India: Casteism has always been a fixed part of Indian social structure, affecting access to resources, education and opportunities.

The country has made some progress in promoting equity, but the gaps related to caste are still emerging in many areas. Mastering the width of these gaps is key to developing effective policies.

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Caste census counts people based on their caste groups. The last full-scale caste number in India occurred in 1931. Since then, we have been lacking solid numbers for different caste groups.

The next census in 2025 may be the first census to include in-depth caste data in years. In this article, we will examine why caste census has an impact on India’s tomorrow.

What is a caste census and how does it work?

The Caste Census is an official survey that collects data on personality identities across India. It aims to provide detailed images of the caste composition of the population to help policy makers understand the social and economic conditions of different communities.

When was the last caste census conducted in India?

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The last full caste census in India was conducted during the British rule in 1931. Since independence, the 10th grade census has collected only caste data on the Planned Caste (SC) and Planned Tribes (STS).

In the recent national census, other caste groups, especially other backward classes (OBCs), have not yet been formally calculated.

In 2011, the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) attempted to collect such data, but the results were not officially released due to concerns about accuracy and completeness.

Caste list in India’s upcoming census

In April 2025, the Indian government approved the inclusion of caste data into the upcoming national census, which was postponed by 2021 due to the 1921 epidemic.

The decision marks a major policy shift aimed at collecting comprehensive caste information nearly a century later. The upcoming census will be the first digital census in India, utilizing mobile apps and online portals for data collection.

In 2025, India’s estimated population exceeds 1.46 billion, accounting for about 17.78% of the global population. Accurate caste data is crucial to ensure that government initiatives effectively reach and benefit all parts of society.

in short

• The Cabinet Political Affairs Committee (CCPA) has approved the inclusion of caste enumerations in the upcoming census.
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision in a cabinet briefing held on April 30, 2025.
• Vaishnaw clarified that the census is a trade union theme, as outlined in the Indian Constitution.
• Several states have conducted caste-based surveys, but this is not part of the official census process.
• Some state-level investigations conducted appropriate investigations, while others lacked transparency and appeared to be politically motivated, causing public confusion and distrust.
• To maintain trust and avoid political abuse, the government has decided to now formally collect caste data as part of the national census.
• This move aims to strengthen India’s social and economic framework while preserving the unity and integrity of the country.
• The government aims to ensure caste enumeration is conducted in a transparent, data-driven and fair manner.
• Vaishnaw also emphasized that “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided, on 30th April 2025, that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming Census. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to upholding social values ​​and interests. It contrasts with past instances, like when the government introduced a 10% reservation for economically weaker sections without causing division within society.” [sic]
• The announcement reflects government concerns about inclusive growth, transparency and responsible governance.

Why is caste important to India?

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Here are the key reasons why conducting a caste census is crucial to India’s development and social justice:

1. Solve social inequality

Caste-based discrimination still exists in many parts of India. The caste census helps identify marginalized communities that need more support. With accurate data, governments can design target programs to enhance those who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

2. Ensure equitable allocation of resources

Without reliable numbers, it is difficult to distribute public resources fairly. The caste census provides clear insights into the population size and living conditions of different caste groups. This helps to more effectively allocate resources such as education, health care and employment benefits.

3. Assessment of affirmative action policies

Policies such as the reservation of OBC and other backward strata are designed to ensure equal opportunities. However, to assess whether these policies are effective, we need caste-based data. The caste census helps monitor its impact and provides better planning and adjustments.

4. Understand the social structure of India

Castes play an important role in shaping India’s social, economic and political. The caste census provides a deeper understanding of the composition of the population. This can help researchers, social scientists, and policy makers analyze where different communities interact and inequality lie.

5. Achieve Constitutional Purpose

The Indian Constitution supports the idea of ​​identifying backward classes. Article 340 authorizes the Government to appoint a committee to examine the status of social and educational backward groups. The caste census is a step toward achieving this constitutional directive.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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