The Centre’s decision on Caste Census is a welcome step towards inclusivity and social justice

in a significant policy move, the Union Government announced on Wednesday that the upcoming census will include caste enumeration, promising the process will be conducted in a “transparent” manner. A caste census collects detailed data on caste-wise population distribution, socio-economic conditions, education levels, and other demographic indicators.

The last major attempt at such an exercise was the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), which sought to capture comprehensive caste data. However, the findings were never officially published due to concerns over data reliability and inconsistencies.

The Central Government will include caste as a category in the upcoming national census. This decision is poised to reshape India’s socio-economic landscape by enabling evidence — based policymaking and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to equality.

Since the last caste-based census was conducted in 1931 under British rule, India has lacked up-to-date data on the population distribution and socio-economic status of various caste groups.

While the census has consistently collected data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, it has left out the broader spectrum of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and numerous marginalised communities. This omission has long hindered accurate assessment of social inequalities and the effective allocation of welfare resources. The inclusion of caste in the census is not merely a statistical exercise — it is a political and moral imperative. Reliable and comprehensive caste data will allow the Government to design policies that reflect the actual needs of the population.

It will provide a clear picture of disparities in education, employment, healthcare access, and economic opportunity among different caste groups. Without this data, efforts to correct structural imbalances remain speculative and potentially ineffective.

Moreover, the availability of caste data will enable a more precise evaluation of representation in public institutions. It will allow policymakers and civil society to assess whether reservation policies and affirmative action programmes are delivering equitable outcomes. For communities that have historically been denied visibility and voice, this is a powerful tool of empowerment. Caste continues to shape lived realities in India in profound ways — from access to basic services to participation in governance.

A caste census acknowledges these realities and provides a foundation for targeted development. With disaggregated data, the Government can better identify regions and communities that require focused intervention, thereby improving the effectiveness of public expenditure and welfare schemes.

This move also has the potential to strengthen Indian democracy by deepening representation. Political leaders and administrators will be better equipped to respond to the aspirations and grievances of historically marginalised communities. In doing so, the decision affirms the constitutional commitment to justice, equality, and fraternity. However, the exercise is not without its challenges. Enumerating caste accurately across India’s vast and diverse population will require meticulous planning, transparency, and sensitivity.

There is also the risk that caste data, if misused, could reinforce divisions or be exploited for electoral gain. These risks, while real, should not overshadow the greater imperative of equity and inclusion. With clear safeguards, ethical data handling, and public oversight, the census can be a tool for transformation rather than division. The Central Government’s decision to undertake a caste census is a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of a just and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity to replace assumptions with facts, rhetoric with reason, and exclusion with empowerment.

For a country as complex and diverse as India, data is not just a tool of governance — it is a precondition for democracy to function effectively. By recognising and recording caste realities, India moves one step closer to realising the promises of its Constitution.

The inclusion of caste in the national census marks a transformative step towards a more just and equitable India. By generating accurate, disaggregated data, the Government can craft targeted policies, address long-standing inequalities, and empower marginalised communities. Though challenges remain, this decision signals a long-overdue commitment to transparency, representation, and evidence-based governance. It is a crucial stride towards fulfilling the constitutional vision of equality, dignity, and inclusive development for every section of Indian society. However, it is imperative that the data so collected must be accurate and above authentic, otherwise the whole purpose of this census would be defeated.