Caste Census to Be Part of Next Population Survey, Says Cabinet

A caste census means collecting information about people’s caste during the population survey. In India, this was last done fully in 1931, except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), which are counted in every census. Now, the government has said that caste will be part of the next big census. This is important because it helps to know how many people belong to different caste groups.

What Has Been Decided and When the Census Will Happen

The government has decided to include caste data in the next population survey. This is the first time in many years that such detailed caste information will be collected. The census was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and is now expected to begin soon. During this survey, data like age, gender, language, education, and caste will be recorded. This information will help the government understand the population better. Officials are also planning to use digital methods to collect the data more quickly and accurately. After the survey is completed, the final data is expected to be released by 2026. This information will be very helpful for planning new policies and programs that match the needs of different communities across India.

What to Expect from the Upcoming Census

The upcoming census is going to be more detailed than before. It will not only collect basic information like name, age, and education but also include caste details for the first time in many decades. The government wants to make sure that every group is counted correctly, so the data will be collected carefully. New digital tools may be used to help speed up the process and reduce mistakes. Once the data is collected and shared, it will help in updating government plans, especially those related to jobs, education, and support for poor families. This caste data will also give a clearer picture of India’s population and show how different groups are living.