The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to incorporate caste enumeration in the upcoming census, reflecting the government’s commitment to the holistic interests of the nation. Census is a union subject under Article 246 of the Constitution of India. While several states have conducted caste surveys, these have often lacked transparency and intent, leading to societal doubts.
To prevent political pressures on the social fabric, caste enumeration will be part of the main census rather than a separate survey. This approach aims to strengthen society economically and socially, ensuring uninterrupted national progress.
Notably, the earlier provision of 10 percent reservation for economically weaker sections did not incite tension among communities. Caste has been excluded from census operations since independence, and in 2010, then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh indicated that the Cabinet would consider caste census, with most political parties supporting it. However, the previous government opted for a survey instead.
