India to Include Caste Data in Upcoming Census for First Time Since 1931

NEW DELHI — In a landmark policy shift, the Indian government has announced it will include caste data in the next national census for the first time in nearly a century. The move, approved during a Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to significantly influence the country’s social and economic policymaking.

Government spokesperson Ashwini Vaishnav confirmed the decision on Wednesday, emphasizing that the inclusion of caste enumeration reflects a commitment to the values and evolving needs of Indian society. “This demonstrates that a government is committed to the values and interests of a society and country,” Vaishnav said.

Although the census was originally scheduled for 2021, it was postponed and no new date has yet been announced. Once conducted, the inclusion of caste data will mark the first official count since the 1931 census carried out under British colonial rule. While a caste-based socio-economic survey was conducted in 2011, its results were never officially released due to reported discrepancies.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the Cabinet’s decision as “historic,” asserting that it will empower economically and socially disadvantaged communities. “This decision will empower all economically and socially backward sections,” he said in a statement following the announcement.

The move also drew praise from the opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a long-time supporter of caste enumeration, welcomed the decision, calling it a new framework for inclusive development. “We see the caste census as a new paradigm of development,” Gandhi said, pledging continued support for what he termed a transformative step.

Caste continues to play a defining role in India’s social structure, influencing access to education, employment, and political representation. More than two-thirds of the country’s 1.4 billion citizens are believed to belong to historically disadvantaged castes. Although India has implemented extensive affirmative action policies—including quotas in education and public sector employment—critics have long argued that the lack of up-to-date caste data limits the effectiveness and equity of these initiatives.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had previously been cautious about the issue due to concerns over social polarization, appears to be recalibrating its stance. Prime Minister Modi, who comes from a historically marginalized caste himself, has repeatedly emphasized his focus on raising the standard of living for all, saying his definition of India’s “largest castes” includes the poor, youth, women, and farmers.

While some critics remain wary of potential misuse or political exploitation of caste data, proponents argue that modern governance demands accurate, current demographic information to ensure fair policy outcomes. Analysts say the inclusion of caste in the census is likely to shape India’s welfare strategies, political discourse, and affirmative action frameworks for years to come.

As the country prepares for its next census, the inclusion of caste data is being viewed as a significant move toward transparency, representation, and a more data-driven approach to addressing historical inequality.