Modi Government’s Caste Census Plan Sparks Controversy Over Methodology

In a significant policy shift, the Modi government announced in April 2025 that it would include caste in the upcoming national census, marking a departure from its previous stance. This decision was accompanied by sharp criticisms aimed at the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, led by Manmohan Singh, for not incorporating caste data in the 2011 census. The current administration’s Cabinet highlighted that many political parties had advocated for a caste census, insinuating that the UPA’s choice of a mere survey was inadequate.

However, just a year later, the Modi government revealed that it intends to adopt the same methodology as used in the 2011 census for counting caste. This revelation has led to a wave of accusations suggesting that the government’s approach is intentionally flawed. Critics argue that the 2011 data was so inadequate that it was never officially released, raising concerns about the credibility of the upcoming census.

Analysts, activists, and political leaders who support a caste census have voiced their concerns regarding the methodology selected by the Modi administration. They contend that the decision to replicate the 2011 model is counterproductive, especially when several states, including Bihar and Telangana, have implemented more reliable caste surveys in recent years. These state-level initiatives have been perceived as more thorough and valid, further fueling the argument that the central government’s approach may be a deliberate misstep.

Some observers have gone as far as to suggest that the government’s choice of methodology could undermine the purpose of the caste census itself. They fear that relying on a discredited approach might lead to data that fails to reflect the true socio-economic landscape of various caste groups in India. This, in turn, could hamper efforts for equitable social policies aimed at addressing the needs of marginalized communities.

The discussion surrounding the caste census is not just a bureaucratic issue; it touches upon the very fabric of Indian society, where caste identities play a significant role in social dynamics and political representation. As the government prepares to move forward with its plan, the ongoing debate raises critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the genuine intentions behind the caste census initiative.

Source: scroll.in