GUWAHATI: The central government on Wednesday, April 30, announced that caste-based enumeration will be included in the upcoming decadal census, leading to opposition parties claiming credit, describing the decision as a response to sustained political pressure.
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According to reports, the decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the media after the meeting, stated that the inclusion of caste data reflects the government’s commitment to equitable governance. “It demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society,” he reportedly said.
The move comes ahead of key assembly elections in Bihar, a state where caste remains a central political axis. The opposition, including the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), was quick to term the announcement as a political victory. Both parties, along with other constituents of the INDIA bloc, have been vocal in demanding a caste census, claiming it is essential for implementing equitable reservation and social justice policies.
RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav said the BJP had been forced to accept an agenda long championed by socialist parties. “On demanding caste census, those who called us 'casteists' got a befitting reply,” he reportedly remarked. His son and party leader Tejashwi Yadav echoed the sentiment, calling the move a “big win” for the opposition.
The Congress also claimed that the decision vindicates its long-standing demand. “We welcome the decision by the central government. It was a long-pending demand of the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi had raised voice for the same,” said party leader Vijay Wadettiwar.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav reportedly termed it a "100 per cent victory" for the PDA alliance — comprising backward castes (Pichre), Dalits, and minorities (Alpashankhaks). “This is a very important phase of PDA's victory in the fight for social justice,” he posted on social media.
In response, Ashwini Vaishnaw criticised the Congress for treating caste census as a political tool, noting that despite cabinet clearance in 2010, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had opted for a survey rather than a full enumeration. “Congress governments have always opposed a caste census,” he said.
Notably, the date for the next census, which has faced repeated delays, remains pending final announcement.
