NEW DELHI: The process for India’s 16th census, originally scheduled for 2021 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to begin early next year. The central government aims to complete the census by 2026. However, it remains unclear whether this census will include the caste data demanded by many opposition parties and some allies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). A final decision will rest with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, likely after the Maharashtra state election results are announced on November 23.

In recent months, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures have been vocal about the need for a caste census, arguing that it would reveal important demographic details to inform policies promoting social equity and fair representation. Within the NDA, Janata Dal United (JDU) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) have expressed support for a caste-based census. RSS has also shown its backing for this measure.

According to government sources, the upcoming census will collect data on the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories as usual. There will also be a provision to record sub-castes within these groups. Yet, without a dedicated OBC category, as seen in previous census records, OBC data may remain unquantified, potentially impacting policies related to social justice and representation.

The decennial census is a vital exercise that updates the National Population Register (NPR), informing government policies and guiding resource allocation. In addition to collecting traditional data on name, address, family details, religion and SC/ST categories, the 2024 census may shape the government’s plans to implement 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures by 2029. The census findings will also assist in determining the redistricting of reserved constituencies, with delimitation efforts expected by 2026.

India’s last census, conducted in 2011, recorded a population of 1.21 billion, with a sex ratio of 940 females per 1,000 males. The religious composition was 79.8% Hindu, 14.23% Muslim, 2.30% Christian and 3.67% from other groups.