Caste Census to Be Included in Census 2025, Says Modi Government
Caste Census Confirmed for Census 2025: Historic Move by PM Modi’s Cabinet
April 30, 2025: In a landmark decision, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of caste census in the upcoming Census 2025. This step reflects the government’s focus on equality, representation, and evidence-based policymaking.
For decades, caste data has been missing from India’s official population records. Since Independence, no census has recorded caste-specific information, except for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. But now, this gap is set to be addressed.
The decision comes under the authority of Article 246 of the Indian Constitution, which lists census as a Union subject at number 69 in the Union List (Seventh Schedule). While many states have already carried out their own caste surveys, these efforts often lacked transparency and consistent objectives. In some cases, they were seen as politically motivated.
To prevent further confusion and fragmentation, the central government has decided to conduct caste enumeration as part of the national census, rather than leaving it to state-level surveys. This will ensure accuracy, nationwide coverage, and integrity of the data.
The government believes that this caste census will promote social and economic empowerment. It will also help design targeted policies for underrepresented and backward communities. Importantly, officials emphasize that this move is not divisive but rather aims to unite the nation through fairness.
Previously, in 2010, then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had promised the Lok Sabha that the idea of a caste census would be reviewed. A Group of Ministers was formed to deliberate the matter. Most political parties agreed on the need for caste-based data. However, instead of a proper caste census, the previous government launched the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) in 2011.
Reacting to the Cabinet’s latest decision, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his support on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “The Modi Government has always stood for the representation and rights of our backward communities. We welcome #Census2025, which will further strengthen the agenda of social justice and is a tribute to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur and several other greats.”
Experts believe that the caste census will offer a clearer picture of India’s social structure. It will guide welfare schemes, boost economic planning, and help bridge long-standing inequalities.
The Census 2025 with caste data marks a bold shift in governance. It reflects a commitment to fairness, data-based development, and the inclusive spirit of the Constitution.
Also read: Union Cabinet Approves ₹22,864 Crore High-Speed Corridor Linking Meghalaya to Assam
The Modi Government has always stood for the representation and rights of our backward communities.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 30, 2025
We welcome #Census 2025, which will further strengthen the agenda of social justice and is a tribute to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur and several other greats.
