The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in India’s forthcoming national census.
The decision is poised to be a groundbreaking step toward addressing socioeconomic disparities and formulating policies tailored to the nation’s demographic realities.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the importance of transparent and accurate data collection during a cabinet briefing. “This census will be one of the most comprehensive demographic exercises in Indian history,” he stated, reiterating its potential to enhance welfare initiatives.
The approval also drew criticism from opposition parties like Congress. Vaishnaw accused them of politicising the demand for caste data without a genuine intent to act on it. He declared, “Our focus remains on concrete data collection for the country’s progress.”
In tandem with the caste census decision, the Cabinet cleared a ₹22,864 crore highway project aimed at improving connectivity in the Northeast and approved a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹355 per quintal for sugarcane farmers, benefiting nearly 5 crore farmers nationwide.
