Last Updated:
Following the announcement, political parties and leaders from across the political spectrum welcomed the government’s decision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI file photo)
The central government on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration would be included in the upcoming census, which is expected to begin early next year, and will be conducted in a “transparent” manner.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while outlining the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), stated that although the census is a central responsibility, some states have already carried out caste enumeration under the guise of surveys, alleging it was done for political reasons.
Following the announcement, political parties and leaders from across the political spectrum welcomed the government’s decision. Many took to the social media platform X to share their thoughts on the move.
In a post on X, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar commended the government’s decision to conduct a caste census.
“Our demand for conducting a caste census is an old one. It is a matter of great joy that the Central Government has decided to conduct a caste census. Conducting a caste census will help determine the population of different sections, which will facilitate the formulation of plans for their upliftment and development. This will accelerate the country’s development. Congratulations and thanks to the Honorable Prime Minister, Respected Shri Narendra Modi ji, for the decision to conduct a caste census,” Kumar wrote.
जाति जनगणना कराने का केंद्र सरकार का फैसला स्वागतयोग्य है। जाति जनगणना कराने की हमलोगों की मांग पुरानी है। यह बेहद खुशी की बात है कि केन्द्र सरकार ने जाति जनगणना कराने का निर्णय किया है। जाति जनगणना कराने से विभिन्न वर्गों के लोगों की संख्या का पता चलेगा जिससे उनके उत्थान एवं…— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) April 30, 2025
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a lengthy post wrote: “For the historic and extremely significant decision to conduct a caste-based census in the direction of establishing social equality in the country, heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Honorable Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji, and the entire Union Cabinet!”
“For many decades, numerous individuals, organizations, and groups have consistently demanded a caste-based census. This demand has been fulfilled due to the visionary and sensitive leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Honorable Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. In the absence of a caste-based census, clear information about the economic and social conditions of the population of castes other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was not available. As a result, the OBC community, along with other sections of society, had to bear the consequences,” Pawar added.
