New Delhi [India]: Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday described the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census as a “historic and visionary decision,” crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the landmark step.
“A historic and visionary decision under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi avaru, caste enumeration will now be part of the upcoming national census for the first time since 1931,” Kumaraswamy wrote in a post on X.
Calling the move a “landmark step”, he emphasized that it would provide authentic, scientific, and transparent caste data, unlike state-level surveys which he said often lacked credibility and uniform standards.
“This will move us away from politically motivated state-level surveys that lacked credibility or uniformity,” he added.
Kumaraswamy said the decision underscores the Prime Minister’s commitment to inclusive governance and data-driven policy-making.
“This will empower welfare planning, strengthen social justice, and shape a more equitable future for all. My heartfelt appreciation to the Prime Minister for this decisive and far-sighted action in the interest of the nation,” he said.
The announcement follows a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, where it was decided that caste enumeration would be officially included in the upcoming national census, a first since 1931.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at a media briefing, reiterated that the decision reflects the Modi government’s dedication to national unity and holistic development.
“While some states have attempted caste surveys, many lacked transparency or were politically driven. Including caste in the national census will ensure consistency and avoid societal divisions,” Vaishnaw said.
He also emphasized that the census is a Union subject under Article 246 of the Constitution, listed at Entry 69 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.
“This will ensure that society becomes stronger economically and socially, and the country’s progress continues without hindrance,” he said.
Caste has been excluded from all census exercises conducted since India’s independence, and the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 was only conducted as a separate exercise, not part of the main census framework.