Centre Clears Caste-Based Enumeration in Upcoming Census; NDA Allies Hail ‘Historic Decision’

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on Wednesday approved the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the upcoming decadal census — a significant move welcomed by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, who called it a step toward “equitable and targeted” policymaking.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the media after the meeting, said, “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the CCPA has decided to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming census. It reflects the government’s commitment to the values and interests of society.”

The announcement, coming ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, directly addresses an Opposition demand aimed at challenging the BJP’s broad Hindu voter base. The BJP hopes this decision will counter the Opposition’s caste census pitch, particularly in Bihar, where a landmark survey by the state’s Janata Dal United (JDU) — while allied with the opposition then — revealed that backward communities make up nearly two-thirds of the population.

On Wednesday, NDA allies in Bihar — the JDU, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) — were quick to hail the decision as “historic”.

In Delhi, Vaishnaw criticised state-led caste surveys, claiming they had created “confusion” by being politically motivated and lacking transparency. “To maintain social harmony and avoid political misuse, caste enumeration should be part of the official census process, conducted transparently. This will strengthen the country’s social and economic structure,” he said.

Vaishnaw also blamed the Congress for shelving a caste census in 2011, despite earlier recommendations. “In 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formed a group of ministers to examine this issue. Most parties backed a caste census, but the UPA government opted for a survey (SECC) instead, which was never made public due to discrepancies,” he added.

Welcoming the move, JDU working president Sanjay Jha called it a “historic decision” that would enable more effective welfare measures for deprived communities. “Nitish Kumar ji conducted a transparent caste census in Bihar and released its findings. He has always believed accurate caste data is essential for reducing socio-economic inequalities,” Jha posted on X.

Jha also pointed out that caste-wise data was routinely recorded before Independence but was discontinued by the Congress government post-1951.

RLSP and LJP (RV) leaders echoed similar sentiments. Union Minister Chirag Paswan said the caste census was a longstanding demand of his party. “Today’s decision dispels all rumours about differences between me and the Centre on this issue. It marks a big step toward inclusive development,” Paswan said on X.

RLSP leader Upendra Kushwaha described the move as a “milestone” in the upliftment of oppressed communities.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also endorsed the decision, calling it evidence of PM Modi’s “deep commitment to inclusive governance”. “This landmark step will drive precise, data-led policies for marginalised communities. Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is transitioning from slogan to practice,” Naidu said.

Union Minister and Apna Dal leader Anupriya Patel added that the move ended years of speculation around the caste census. “This work was last done in 1931. The UPA government missed its chance. Unlike the Congress-led INDI alliance, we don’t just talk about social justice — we deliver it through concrete decisions,” she said.