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In a significant move with far-reaching social and political implications, the Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, signaling a pivotal shift in India's data-gathering framework and social policy planning.
#WATCH | Delhi | "Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that Caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census," says Union Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw on Union Cabinet decisions. pic.twitter.com/0FtK0lg9q7
— ANI (@ANI)
#WATCH | Delhi | "Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that Caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census," says Union Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw on Union Cabinet decisions. pic.twitter.com/0FtK0lg9q7
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025
">April 30, 2025
Speaking at a press briefing on key Cabinet decisions, Vaishnaw stated, “The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census.” This marks the first time since 1931 that caste data (apart from that of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) will be collected in a census, reigniting a longstanding debate on caste-based policies, social justice, and welfare distribution.
Also Read: Karnataka: Historic caste census report to be tabled in cabinet meeting tomorrow (April 11)
Advocates of caste enumeration argue that it will provide a realistic demographic snapshot of Indian society and allow for better targeted affirmative action, resource allocation, and development planning. Critics, however, caution that it could deepen caste identities and political divisions.
The move comes amid rising demands from several state governments and social organizations to conduct a caste census to address inequalities more effectively. With this Cabinet approval, the groundwork is now being laid for integrating caste data into the upcoming nationwide population count, expected to begin in the near future.
Other Cabinet decisions included a fixed sugarcane price and a new highway project in the Northeast.
