India is once again at the crossroads of a major political and social pivot—the caste census in India. With the Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) approving the enumeration of castes in the upcoming Census, a long-simmering debate has resurfaced. This decision could reshape the socio-political landscape of the country, ignite new debates around social justice, and potentially alter the dynamics of elections.

So, what exactly is the caste census, why has it become such a hot-button issue, and what implications could it hold for the future? Let’s break it down.

A Quick Primer: What is a Census?

The Census of India is a decennial exercise, first conducted under British rule in 1872. Post-independence, it has been carried out under the Census of India Act, 1948, with the most recent one held in 2011. The 2021 Census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is yet to be scheduled.

Traditionally, the Census collects comprehensive data on population, housing, education, employment, and religion. However, caste-wise enumeration has been discontinued since the 1951 Census, except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

What is a Caste Census?

A caste census is the collection of data pertaining to various caste groups in India. It aims to record information such as caste identity, economic conditions, education levels, and employment status.

This kind of data was a regular feature in Censuses during British rule from 1881 to 1931. The last complete caste enumeration happened in the 1931 Census. Post-independence, only SC and ST data have been officially collected.

While the term might sound like a mere statistical exercise, the caste census in India is much more. It is about representation, resource allocation, and recognition of historically marginalized groups. The demand for such data stems from the desire to ensure that public policies are based on ground realities, not outdated or anecdotal information.

Historical Background: Why Was It Discontinued?

Post-independence, the Indian government categorized citizens into SC, ST, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and General categories based on social and educational backwardness. However, it chose not to record OBC or General category data in subsequent Censuses.

This was largely a political and administrative decision, aiming to move the country away from caste consciousness. However, critics argue that this lack of data has hampered effective policymaking, especially in the context of affirmative action and welfare schemes.

State-Level Surveys: Setting a Precedent

Though the Union government refrained from conducting a caste census, several states took the initiative:

• Bihar conducted and published its caste survey in 2023 under the JDU-RJD-Congress coalition.
• Telangana released a socio-economic caste survey in early 2024.
• Karnataka completed its caste survey in 2015, but the data was only made public in 2025.

These surveys have become political tools and have added momentum to the demand for a nationwide caste census in India.

BJP's Policy Shift: What Changed?

Until recently, the BJP opposed the idea of a caste census, claiming it would divide society. In 2021, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, told Parliament that caste enumeration beyond SCs and STs was not a government policy.

Fast forward to April 30, 2025: the CCPA's approval marks a significant U-turn. Analysts suggest that the BJP's lackluster performance among disadvantaged groups in the 2024 general elections may have prompted this shift. By endorsing the caste census, the BJP may be attempting to neutralize the Opposition's social justice agenda and regain lost ground.

The Opposition's Narrative: Social Justice and Empowerment

The Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi have long championed the caste census in India as a step toward "real social justice." Their argument is that policies for reservation and welfare are being made without accurate data, leading to ineffective or skewed implementation.

Their strategy appears to have paid off in recent state elections, particularly in caste-sensitive states like Bihar. By making the caste census a central campaign issue, they have compelled the ruling party to respond.

The UPA's SECC and Its Aftermath

In 2011, the UPA government launched the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC), with data collection costing nearly ₹4,900 crore. However, the caste component of the SECC was never released.

An expert group under Arvind Panagariya, then Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, was formed to analyze the raw data. The findings were never published, leading to criticism of the exercise being a colossal waste of public funds.

Why Does the Caste Census Matter Now?

1. Policy Formulation: Without granular caste data, it is impossible to assess whether current reservation policies are equitable or if some communities remain underserved.
2. Representation: Political representation often correlates with population size. Accurate data could lead to reconfiguration in seat allocation and reservation policies.
3. Economic Upliftment: Welfare schemes targeting backward castes require current, reliable data to measure impact and recalibrate focus.
4. Electoral Politics: Caste remains a potent factor in Indian elections. Data-driven strategies can change the way campaigns are run and how coalitions are formed.

What Lies Ahead?

The approval of the caste census in India does not automatically translate into immediate action. Key steps still pending include:

• Finalizing the Census date
• Designing caste-sensitive questionnaires
• Training enumerators for accurate data collection
• Ensuring data transparency and public release

Even more critical is how the data will be used. Will it be a mere statistical document, or will it drive structural reforms?

The Pandora's Box: A Word of Caution

Political experts warn that a nationwide caste census could lead to unintended consequences:

• Quota Demands: New data could trigger calls for increased reservations, challenging the Supreme Court’s 50% cap.
• Sub-Categorization: Within OBCs, dominant groups may be asked to yield space for more marginalized sub-castes.
• Polarization: There is a risk that caste data might deepen existing divides if weaponized politically.

As Rasheed Kidwai aptly said, this could be more about "rhetoric than substance" unless accompanied by sincere policy reforms.

Final Thoughts: Toward Data-Driven Equity

The caste census in India is not just about counting people; it’s about recognizing their lived realities. It holds the potential to foster inclusivity, correct historical wrongs, and build more equitable policies. But it must be handled with integrity, transparency, and a focus on nation-building.

As we await the rollout, the nation must engage in a balanced discourse—one that is mindful of past wounds yet hopeful for a data-informed future.

The time has come to ask: Can India move beyond tokenism and towards real empowerment through information?

One thing is certain: the caste census is not just a political issue—it is a social imperative whose time has come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the caste census in India?

The caste census in India refers to the process of collecting data on the caste identities of citizens during the national population census. It aims to provide detailed insights into the socio-economic, educational, and employment status of various caste groups, especially those beyond the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), such as the Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Q2. When was the last caste census conducted in India?

The last official caste census in India was conducted in 1931 under British rule. While the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was initiated in 2011 during the UPA regime, its caste-related findings were never officially released.

Q3. Why is the caste census important today?

The caste census is important because it can help shape affirmative action policies, improve resource allocation, and ensure social justice. It also plays a vital role in understanding ground realities and restructuring welfare schemes to better serve underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Q4. What are the political implications of the caste census?

The caste census in India could significantly alter the political landscape. With caste being a major electoral factor, the data could lead to demands for reservation revisions, challenge the current 50% cap, and give rise to new caste-based alliances or voter blocs.

Q5. Has any Indian state conducted its own caste census?

Yes, states like Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana have conducted their own caste-based surveys. Bihar even published its data in 2023, reigniting national interest and pushing the central government to take similar steps at the national level.