For the first time since 1931, India’s national Census will include detailed caste data. The decision marks a major shift in demographic documentation. It aims to address gaps in India’s affirmative action policies, but raises logistical and political challenges. The Supreme Court has permitted sub-categorisation among SCs, STs, and OBCs. However, consensus is needed to ensure the exercise yields usable, fair, and trusted data.

BulletsIn

• Caste data to return to Census after 94 years
• Will go beyond SC/ST/OBC labels to record specific castes
• Goal: better-targeted reservations, development programs
• Court cleared sub-categorisation of SCs/STs in 2023
• Justice G. Rohini panel studied OBC sub-groups in 2023
• Data critical for equitable distribution of quota benefits
• 2011 SECC found 46 lakh caste names, many overlaps
• No national list of all castes yet, adds to confusion
• Classification disputes ongoing in courts across states
• Political friction seen in state-level caste surveys
• Govt urged to build consensus before nationwide roll-out