Modi Government Approves Caste Enumeration in National Census, Stirring Major Political Reactions
In a landmark decision poised to reshape India’s socio-political discourse, the Narendra Modi-led central government has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the forthcoming national Census. The move, officially announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), marks a significant policy shift with sweeping implications for governance, social justice, and electoral politics.
Speaking at a press conference, Vaishnaw described the decision as a “corrective measure” and a “major governance reform.” He emphasized that while various states had previously undertaken caste-based surveys, many of these were marred by “politically motivated intent and lack of transparency,” which he said led to “confusion, mistrust, and social friction.”
“To preserve the integrity of our social fabric and ensure that caste enumeration is not misused for narrow political gains, it is essential that such data be gathered through an official and transparent process under the national Census framework,” said Vaishnaw.
The announcement comes amidst escalating political demands for caste-based data, with opposition parties, particularly the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies, repeatedly pressing for a caste census as a tool to guide policy decisions and resource allocation.
आज़ादी के बाद हुई सभी जनगणनाओं में जातियों की गणना नहीं की गई — यह कांग्रेस पार्टी के दोहरे मापदंड और पाखंड का एक और बड़ा उदाहरण है। जो काम दशकों से टाला गया, उस पर कांग्रेस ने केवल दिखावटी राजनीति की।
2010 में तत्कालीन PM डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह ने लोकसभा में जाति जनगणना पर विचार का…
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) April 30, 2025
Historical Context and Missed Opportunities
Tracing the roots of the issue, Vaishnaw pointed out that no national Census since Independence has included comprehensive caste data. He recalled that in 2010, then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had assured Parliament that the Cabinet would consider the inclusion of caste enumeration in the 2011 Census. A Group of Ministers was formed to examine the issue, and a number of parties backed the proposalHowever, the Congress-led UPA government eventually shelved the idea of a full caste census and instead conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), which was later criticized for its flawed methodology and unreliable data. The SECC failed to gain official acceptance due to inconsistencies and classification errors, leading to its exclusion from key policymaking.
“The UPA government had the opportunity but lacked the will and clarity,” Vaishnaw said, accusing Congress and its allies of using the issue for “political convenience rather than genuine reform.”
Congress and Opposition Respond
Rahul Gandhi, who has made caste census a central plank of his recent political campaigns, said, “It is the people’s victory. The BJP has finally accepted what we’ve been saying for years
The Congress Party swiftly responded to the announcement, accusing the BJP of political opportunism. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the move but said it came “years too late and only after intense pressure from the INDIA bloc.” Rahul Gandhi, who has made caste census a central plank of his recent political campaigns, said, “It is the people’s victory. The BJP has finally accepted what we’ve been saying for years — that justice begins with data.”
Gandhi, however, questioned the timing. “Why now, on the eve of major elections in Bihar and other states? This is a classic case of the BJP playing catch-up,” he said, alleging that the BJP feared losing ground among backward communities.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a key Congress ally in Bihar, was similarly skeptical. “The Modi government is late to the party,” said RJD MP Manoj Jha. “We welcome the decision in principle, but we will remain watchful of how it is implemented. Transparency, inclusivity, and timely publication of the data are non-negotiable.”
|Also Read : Caste enumeration to be part of upcoming population census: Ashwini Vaishnaw announces Cabinet decision |
Strategic Move Ahead of Elections?
Political analysts see the announcement as a strategic masterstroke by the BJP ahead of key state elections, especially in caste-sensitive Bihar. By seizing control of the caste discourse, the BJP has potentially blunted one of the opposition’s most potent issues. The move is being read as a calculated attempt to disrupt the opposition’s narrative and broaden the BJP’s appeal among OBCs and other marginalized groups.
“This is not just an administrative step; it is a political repositioning,” said Dr. Rakesh Sinha, political commentator and Rajya Sabha MP. “By taking ownership of caste enumeration, the BJP has turned the tables on the Congress and regional parties who were banking on the issue to rally backward castes against the Centre.”
Government Defends Stability and Inclusiveness
To preempt concerns over social discord, Vaishnaw pointed to the peaceful rollout of the 10 percent reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) in the general category under the Modi government. “We have demonstrated our ability to introduce socially sensitive reforms while maintaining harmony. This move will be no different,” he said.
He further emphasized that the caste data would help craft targeted welfare policies, enabling better identification of backwardness and more equitable distribution of public resources.
Looking Ahead
The Census process, including caste enumeration, is expected to begin in early 2026, following necessary logistical preparations and training. Experts say the decision could have long-lasting ramifications on reservation policies, welfare schemes, and the political representation of various social groups.
As India heads toward a politically charged season of elections and debates over representation, the Modi government’s move has set a new tone — one that challenges the opposition on their own turf while claiming to uphold the principles of data-driven governance and inclusive development.
