NEW DELHI, India — In a significant development, the Indian government has announced that it will include caste data in the upcoming national census, a decision that could have profound social and political implications for the nation. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the inclusion of caste details on Wednesday, emphasizing that this move reflects the government’s dedication to the values and needs of society.
While the exact timeline for the census remains unclear, stakeholders anticipate that this decision may reignite discussions regarding caste-based quotas for government jobs, educational admissions, and political representation. Currently, India’s reservation policy limits quotas to 50%, with 27% allocated for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Advocates for inclusion argue that accurate demographic data is essential for effectively designing and implementing social welfare programs intended to support marginalized communities.
Historically, caste has played a vital role in India’s social fabric, deeply influencing both economic and political landscapes. The caste system, which categorizes individuals based on social hierarchy, complicates the nation’s demographic landscape. Previous censuses have lacked comprehensive data on caste affiliations, leading to an incomplete understanding of societal structures.
The Indian census tradition dates back to 1872 under British colonial rule, which classified castes until the last comprehensive count in 1931. Since gaining independence in 1951, India has primarily focused on enumerating scheduled castes and tribes, leaving the majority of caste dynamics unmeasured and undocumented.
The latest census, initially slated for 2021, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges. The last census in 2011 recorded a total population of approximately 1.21 billion, including around 201 million identified as scheduled castes and 104 million as scheduled tribes. As of April 2023, India has surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country, with estimates reaching 1.425 billion, according to U.N. data.
The decision to incorporate caste information comes just months before a critical election in Bihar, one of India’s poorest states, where caste affiliation is a crucial political issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party governs in coalition in Bihar, and both allies and opposition leaders have pushed for improved caste data. Notably, Modi’s party has previously expressed reservations about detailed caste counts, citing concerns over exacerbating social divisions.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi hailed the announcement, suggesting that public pressure played a pivotal role in the government’s decision. Meanwhile, two states—Bihar and Karnataka—have already conducted their own caste surveys, revealing significant representation of backward castes and leading to renewed calls for increasing quotas.
Several other states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are considering similar surveys as they navigate the politically sensitive landscape around caste issues. Vaishnaw asserted that compiling caste data at the national level will enhance transparency and accountability within government programs. Critics, however, worry about the potential for political exploitation as parties strategically align themselves with different caste groups to gain electoral advantage.
Home Minister Amit Shah characterized the decision as “historic,” emphasizing that it aims to empower economically and socially disadvantaged groups. As the country prepares for the upcoming census, the impacts of this decision will likely resonate far beyond demographic statistics, potentially reshaping political alliances and social dynamics in the world’s largest democracy.