Wed Apr 30 17:11:41 UTC 2025: ## India to Include Caste in Next Census Amidst State-Level Data Disputes
**New Delhi, April 30, 2025** – The Indian Union Cabinet has decided to include caste in the upcoming census, a move announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. While acknowledging previous caste enumeration attempts by Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana, Mr. Vaishnaw characterized these state-level exercises as mere “surveys,” emphasizing the national census’s status as a Union subject. He stated that the upcoming national census will be conducted transparently, unlike some state initiatives criticized for opacity and political motivations.
The government plans to codify a national list of castes and sub-castes to manage the complexities encountered in previous attempts. The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) and subsequent state surveys revealed significant variations in the number of listed castes, ranging from Bihar’s 214 to Karnataka’s over 1,300. These discrepancies highlight the challenges in creating a uniform national framework. The central OBC list contains 2,650 communities, while independent analysis of state lists reveals over 3,651.
While the states’ surveys offered valuable data—Bihar’s covered 13.07 crore people, Telangana 3.54 crore, and Karnataka 5.98 crore—their findings have faced criticism. Opposition parties and some communities have questioned the completeness and accuracy of the data, particularly regarding the representation of Backward Classes. Concerns exist about potential undercounts and the limited public release of detailed findings from these state-level surveys. The Union government’s commitment to transparency in its nationwide caste enumeration aims to address these past shortcomings.
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