Caste enumeration to be included in upcoming census, announces Centre

"This demonstrates that the present government is committed to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society," the Indian government said in a statement.

As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.

While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society.

"Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey," the statement said.

The Indian government said the move will ensure that society becomes stronger economically and socially, and the country’s progress continues without hindrance.

"It is noteworthy that when a provision of 10 percent reservation was made for the economically weaker sections of society, it did not create tension in any section of society," the statement said.

Caste was excluded from all census operations conducted since independence.

Manmohan Singh on caste census in 2010

 In 2010, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the Cabinet.

A Group of Ministers was formed to deliberate on this subject, and most political parties recommended conducting a caste census.

"Despite this, the previous government opted for a survey instead of a caste census, known as the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)," the Centre said targeting the former Congress-led government.

Bihar CM welcomes

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the move and posted on X: "The decision of the Central Government to conduct caste census is welcome."

"Conducting caste census will reveal the number of people of different classes, which will help in making plans for their upliftment and development. This will accelerate the development of the country. Congratulations and thanks to the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for the decision to conduct caste census," he said.

Kumar and his JD (U) is a key member of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.