Census To Include Caste Enumeration, Says Amit Shah In Lok Sabha

Amit Shah on Friday clarified in the Lok Sabha that the upcoming Census will include caste-based data. He addressed concerns raised during the debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Responding to questions over delays in conducting the Census, Amit Shah said the exercise had an original schedule for 2021. He said the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement.

“Everyone is aware that the Census was to be held in 2021, but at that time, the country was grappling with the biggest pandemic of this century. It was not feasible to carry out such a massive exercise during that period,” the Minister added.

The Home Minister said economic and social recovery even after the pandemic needed time. When preparations resumed in 2024, several political parties demanded a caste-based Census.

“After detailed discussions, it was decided in 2025 that the upcoming Census would include caste-based enumeration,” Shah said, adding that consultations were held with political parties, caste groups, social organisations, and state governments before arriving at the decision.

Explaining the process, Amit Shah said the building enumeration stage under previous governments did not include questions. These included caste, religion or personal details.

During population enumeration, the process collects information such as education, date of birth and religion.

Shah said the enumeration will also include a column for caste when counting individuals.

The Minister stressed that the methodology remains consistent with past practices, with the caste column being the only addition.

Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a forward-looking decision on the matter.

“With foresight, the Prime Minister understood the importance of this matter, and the Cabinet has taken a clear decision,” he said.

Aiming at the Opposition, Shah accused some leaders of creating confusion despite earlier demanding a caste Census.

“There should be no confusion in the minds of the country’s 1.4 billion people. The Cabinet led by Narendra Modi has decided to conduct the 2026 Census with caste enumeration,” he said.

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