New Delhi
In a significant policy development, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has approved the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the upcoming national census, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s data collection framework.
Announcing the decision, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census.”
The move is seen as a major step toward gaining comprehensive socio-economic data on various caste groups, which policymakers and social justice advocates argue is essential for targeted welfare schemes, inclusive planning, and equitable development.
Political analysts suggest the decision could have far-reaching implications on electoral strategies, reservation policies, and community-based development programs.
