Centre Approves Caste Census in 2026 Population Survey, Marking Historic Policy Shift

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces caste-based enumeration in upcoming national census; BJP calls it a step toward social justice, criticises Congress for decades-long opposition.

New Delhi, May-1:
In a landmark decision with significant social and political ramifications, the Union Government has announced that caste-based enumeration will be included in the next population census, expected in 2026. The decision was revealed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a cabinet briefing, stating that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) had approved the move under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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“The census will include questions on caste, and the process will be conducted transparently,” Mr. Vaishnaw said, while also launching a sharp attack on the Congress Party for allegedly opposing such enumeration historically.

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Political Reactions & Context:

Vaishnaw accused the Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc of “politicising caste data” and claimed that Congress governments had blocked caste-based enumeration since Independence. He cited the 2010 census, when then-PM Manmohan Singh formed a committee to consider caste inclusion but ultimately opted for a survey, not a full census.

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“Congress and its allies have only used caste census as a political tool,” Mr. Vaishnaw alleged.

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Significance Ahead of Bihar Elections:

The timing of the announcement is crucial. Bihar, where over 63% of the population belongs to EBC and OBC categories, is headed for Assembly elections soon.

In October 2023, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, then allied with the Congress and RJD, conducted India’s first state-level caste survey. The report led to reservations being expanded up to 65% in the state.

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The BJP, then in the Bihar opposition, had voiced cautious support, wary of backlash from backward caste voters.

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Home Minister Amit Shah Welcomes Move:

Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the decision as “historic” in a post on X (formerly Twitter):

“The Modi government has sent a strong message of commitment to social equality. This will empower all backward sections and pave new paths for inclusive development.”

He also accused Congress of opposing caste enumeration while in power but using it as a campaign tactic in opposition.

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Opposition’s Push for Caste Census:

The decision comes amid persistent demands by the INDIA bloc for a nationwide caste census. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had made it a central poll promise in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, vowing to implement it wherever Congress came to power. This promise has already been acted upon in Karnataka and Telangana.

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Legal Authority and Implementation:

Mr. Vaishnaw clarified that only the Union Government has the constitutional mandate to conduct an official caste census. He criticized state surveys, claiming some were driven by political agendas and “created societal doubts.”

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Tags:

Caste census India, 2026 population census, Ashwini Vaishnaw caste announcement, BJP vs Congress on caste data, Bihar caste survey, Amit Shah caste census, Rahul Gandhi promises, INDIA bloc, backward class policy, social justice in India