Census Countdown Begins! India to Launch 2025 Census with New Twists—Will Caste Count be Included?

New Delhi, October 28, 2024: Hold onto your hats, India! The much-anticipated census is back on the agenda, but this time it’s sporting a new look and a fresh timeline. Scheduled to kick off in 2025, this will mark a departure from the usual decade-long routine, as the census will now occur every 14 years! That’s right—after a long hiatus since the last census in 2011, we’re set for a data-gathering extravaganza in 2025.

A New Census Cycle

The census will run until 2026, following a pandemic-induced delay that left the 2021 census in limbo. This year’s census promises to gather more than just your basic demographic details; it will also delve into religious affiliations. Yes, you read that right—this time, expect questions about what faith you belong to, alongside traditional counts of the general, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.

But wait—what about caste-based enumeration? That’s where the plot thickens! Numerous opposition parties have been clamoring for caste data to be included in the upcoming census, but the government remains tight-lipped on any concrete decisions regarding this request.

The Stakes are High!

Historically, the census has been a critical tool for policy-making and resource allocation. The last few census cycles in 1991, 2001, and 2011 have shaped how communities are represented and what benefits they receive. As such, the inclusion of caste data could have significant implications, especially for marginalized groups.

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