The Indian government has announced plans to conduct the delayed national population census in early 2025, which was originally scheduled for 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste data in this upcoming caste census, marking a significant policy decision.
Political Perspectives
- Congress Party: The Congress has been a strong advocate for a nationwide caste census. They argue that such data is essential for ensuring social justice and equitable resource distribution. The party has also called for removing the 50% cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
- Samajwadi Party (SP): SP leader Akhilesh Yadav has pledged to conduct a caste-based census by 2025, emphasizing that it is crucial for inclusive development and social justice.
- Union Government: While the cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste data in the upcoming census, some Union Ministers have expressed reservations. For instance, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje stated that a caste-based census could lead to divisions within the country.
State-Level Initiatives
- Telangana: The Congress-led government in Telangana initiated a caste survey in November 2024, marking the first such effort in the state since 1931. Approximately 80,000 enumerators are covering over 1.17 crore households across 33 districts.
Broader Implications
The inclusion of caste data in the national census is expected to have far-reaching implications for policy-making, resource allocation, and social justice initiatives. It aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of India’s social structure, which can inform targeted welfare programs and affirmative action policies.
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