The Cabinet’s decision to include caste data in the upcoming Census marks a historic move for social justice. Get full details in this daily GK update.
Cabinet Approves Caste Enumeration in Next Census: Key Update for Competitive Exams
The Union Cabinet has made a landmark decision to include caste enumeration in India’s upcoming population Census, a move described as “historic” by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This will be the first time since 1931 that castes other than Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) will be officially counted in the national Census, making it a significant topic for current affairs March 2025, daily GK update, and competitive exam news123.
Background and Context
The last full caste-based Census in India was conducted in 1931, before Independence. Since then, only SCs and STs have been enumerated in the decadal Census23.
The 2021 Census, originally scheduled for that year, has been postponed indefinitely, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic19.
The new decision comes at a time when caste-based data is increasingly demanded for policy-making, social justice, and targeted welfare schemes123.
What’s New in the Upcoming Census?
Caste Enumeration: For the first time in independent India, the Census will count all castes, not just SCs and STs123.
Digital Census: The next Census will be conducted digitally, with a dedicated section for caste information in the mobile application1.
Statutory Backing: Unlike the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), this enumeration will have statutory support and be part of the official Census exercise12.
Transparency and Inclusion: The government emphasizes that the process will be transparent and aimed at strengthening social and economic structures147.
No Dates Announced: The specific dates for the Census are yet to be notified, but officials suggest it may commence by late 2026 or early 20279.
Why Is This Decision Significant?
Social Justice: The move is positioned as a step towards greater inclusion and empowerment of economically and socially backward classes14.
Policy Impact: Accurate caste data will help design more equitable and targeted government policies, including reservations and welfare schemes2310.
Political Context: The decision comes ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections and follows similar state-level caste surveys in Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana17.
Historic Reversal: This marks a reversal of the previous government stance, which had avoided full caste enumeration since Independence23.
Key Takeaways for Exams
The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, has approved caste enumeration in the next Census123.
This will be the first official count of all castes since 1931.
The Census will be conducted digitally, with a special column for caste data1.
The move is expected to promote social inclusion and better policy targeting14.
No official date for the Census has been announced yet; it is likely to begin by late 2026 or early 20279.
The decision has major implications for social justice, reservations, and electoral politics.
Internal Links
Current Affairs March 2025 – Atharva Examwise
Daily GK Update – Atharva Examwise
External Links
The Indian Express – Cabinet approves caste census in upcoming Census
Hindustan Times – Next census will include caste enumeration: Govt
Why this matters for exams
This development is crucial for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams. It touches on key themes like social justice, government policy, and the use of data for inclusive development. Expect questions on the history of the Census, the significance of caste data, and the potential impact on reservations and welfare schemes. Stay updated with Atharva Examwise current news for more such important updates.
