In a landmark policy shift, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced, calling it a “transparent” step toward social equity. The decision, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, marks the first time since Independence that the census will include caste-based data.

Mr Vaishnaw accused the Congress of long resisting such a move, stating, “Congress governments consistently opposed a caste census. In 2010, despite broad political consensus, they conducted a half-hearted survey instead.” He described past state-level efforts, like Bihar’s 2023 caste survey, as politically motivated, “creating doubts in society.”

The announcement has major political implications, particularly ahead of assembly elections in Bihar, where over 63% of the population belongs to backward or extremely backward classes. The BJP had previously maintained a cautious stance, backing the Bihar survey while in opposition, but now appears to have fully embraced caste enumeration.

Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision “historic,” declaring it a step toward justice and inclusion. “This will empower backward communities and help craft more targeted welfare policies,” he posted on X.

The move comes after months of growing pressure from opposition parties. The Congress and INDIA bloc, especially Rahul Gandhi, had made caste census a central demand. Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana—states ruled by opposition coalitions—have already released caste survey data and announced quota expansions.

The upcoming national caste census may reshape India’s social policy landscape. Advocates see it as essential for affirmative action, while critics warn of deepening identity politics. Nevertheless, the Modi government’s decision to move forward reflects a significant realignment—both administratively and electorally—as it seeks to consolidate support among backward communities.

In a landmark policy shift, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced, calling it a “transparent” step toward social equity. The decision, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, marks the first time since Independence that the census will include caste-based data.

Mr Vaishnaw accused the Congress of long resisting such a move, stating, “Congress governments consistently opposed a caste census. In 2010, despite broad political consensus, they conducted a half-hearted survey instead.” He described past state-level efforts, like Bihar’s 2023 caste survey, as politically motivated, “creating doubts in society.”

The announcement has major political implications, particularly ahead of assembly elections in Bihar, where over 63% of the population belongs to backward or extremely backward classes. The BJP had previously maintained a cautious stance, backing the Bihar survey while in opposition, but now appears to have fully embraced caste enumeration.

Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision “historic,” declaring it a step toward justice and inclusion. “This will empower backward communities and help craft more targeted welfare policies,” he posted on X.

The move comes after months of growing pressure from opposition parties. The Congress and INDIA bloc, especially Rahul Gandhi, had made caste census a central demand. Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana—states ruled by opposition coalitions—have already released caste survey data and announced quota expansions.

The upcoming national caste census may reshape India’s social policy landscape. Advocates see it as essential for affirmative action, while critics warn of deepening identity politics. Nevertheless, the Modi government’s decision to move forward reflects a significant realignment—both administratively and electorally—as it seeks to consolidate support among backward communities.