As claimed by major news channels, the central government is likely to begin the census exercise in 2025 and complete it by 2026. In addition to this, the delimitation of the Lok Sabha seat will begin after the census is completed and will likely be completed by 2028, as reported by India Today. The delimitation exercise will likely be completed by 2028.The census exercise would take place after a delay of four years.
Caste Based Census?
The congress-led opposition has reportedly been demanding a caste based census. But the broad contours of the census exercise have not been revealed yet. However, as reported by the Hindustan Times, next year’s census may include surveys of sub-sects and also include the people belonging to general, scheduled caste and scheduled tribes categories.
The provision will supply the government with data on the sect-wise population, an essential aspect of India’s pluralist society. For instance, Lingayats in Karnataka are categorized under the general category but view themselves as a distinct sect, reflecting the prevalent sect-based categorization in Indian society.
Congress Party Would Consider Scrapping Reservations
Last month, during an interaction with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, Rahul Gandhi stated that the Congress party would consider scrapping reservations once India becomes a “fair place.”
He also emphasized the need for a caste census, stating that 90 percent of the population—comprising OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis—lacks adequate representation in the country.
Betrayal of the OBC Communities:
Taking to the social media platform X and reacting to the report, Congress leader Manickam Tagore said that the government’s refusal to conduct a caste based census is a betrayal of the OBC communities.
“Modi’s refusal to conduct a #CasteCensus is a clear betrayal of OBC communities. Ignoring the voices demanding justice, he’s denying our people their due representation—all because of political arrogance. Will RSS, JDU,&TDP stand with the people or stay silent?” he wrote on X.
