Explained: What India’s 2025 Census Means for Representation, Identity, and Future Policy

New Delhi- The Census of India, traditionally held at the beginning of each decade, is now set to commence in 2025 after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This change not only shifts the Census timeline but also raises vital questions that have yet to be addressed by the Union Government, sparking calls for an all-party meeting.

A key question on the table is whether the upcoming Census will include a comprehensive enumeration of all castes across India. Since 1951, the Census has counted only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, while other caste categories have been left unrecorded.

Many political leaders, activists, and civil society groups have demanded a broader caste Census, arguing that it is essential to accurately assess the social landscape and ensure targeted policy interventions. The Constitution of India specifies that the Census falls under the sole jurisdiction of the Union Government, yet there has been no confirmation of a detailed caste enumeration in the 2025 Census.

The demand for caste data was highlighted recently when the state of Bihar released its own caste survey results, aimed at providing a clearer picture of the socioeconomic conditions of various communities. This has intensified the call for a national caste Census, particularly given the growing recognition that caste-based inequities continue to shape many Indians' lived realities.

Veteran Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, has called for an all-party meeting to address pressing concerns regarding the Census, long overdue since 2021. His demand highlights two crucial issues: the inclusion of a comprehensive caste enumeration beyond Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and whether this Census will serve as a basis for delimiting Lok Sabha seats per Article 82 of the Constitution of India.

As the government prepares for a Census in 2025, there remains a strong need for clarity on both these fronts. The implications extend well beyond the collection of demographic data, touching the very structure of political representation and the balance of power among states.

India's Census, which has traditionally been conducted at the start of each decade (like 1991, 2001, and 2011), is now set to start in 2025, with the next one planned for 2035, 2045, and 2055.

Significant news has emerged regarding the Census, with government sources indicating that the Census will begin next year and continue through 2026. Originally scheduled for 2021, the Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s now being reported that the traditional Census cycle will also be revised.

The once-per-decade Census will next take place in 2035 instead of the start of each decade as previously observed. The delimitation process for Lok Sabha seats will begin following the Census completion, with the process expected to be finalized by 2028.

Questions on Sect May Also Be Asked

There is growing demand from various opposition parties for a caste Census, though the government has not yet made a decision on this. The Census traditionally collects data on religion and category (general, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes).

In addition to caste and population data, there have been indications that the Census could inquire about sect affiliation. Communities such as Lingayats in Karnataka, who identify as a distinct sect within Hinduism, are among those advocating for recognition of sect-based identities.

There is also demand within Scheduled Castes for recognition of sect-specific identities, such as Valmikis and Ravidasis. The Census could potentially reflect these identity nuances, though the government has yet to finalize this aspect.

Jairam Ramesh has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the scope of the 2025 Census. Such a meeting would aim to address the lack of clarity surrounding caste enumeration, the implications of delimitation, and recognition of religious and sect identities. As the government prepares to launch the 2025 Census, there is a growing consensus that transparency and inclusivity will be essential to address India’s evolving demographic landscape responsibly.