Himanta Biswa Sarma Applauds Centre’s Nod to Caste Enumeration in Upcoming Census

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed strong support for the Union Cabinet’s recent decision to incorporate caste-based data collection in the forthcoming national census, hailing it as a step forward in promoting social equity and honoring the legacy of social justice leaders.Taking to social media platform X, Sarma welcomed the move, stating, “We welcome #Census2025, which will further strengthen the agenda of social justice and is a tribute to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, and several other greats.” He emphasized that the Modi-led government has consistently championed the rights and representation of backward and marginalized communities.The Centre's announcement came on Wednesday through Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who stated that the caste enumeration will be conducted transparently during the next census, scheduled for 2025. Vaishnaw criticized opposition parties for politicizing the issue, alleging that some state-level surveys conducted under the banner of caste enumeration lacked transparency and had contributed to public confusion and social skepticism.The Congress party and various opposition groups have been actively demanding a nationwide caste census, making it a focal point in their electoral campaigns. States such as Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana have already conducted independent caste-based surveys, increasing pressure on the central government to act.The timing of the Centre’s decision is also politically significant, coming ahead of crucial assembly elections in Bihar. Several political parties, including those aligned with the BJP, have publicly supported the call for a caste-based count, citing the need for data-driven policy formulation and fair representation.Sarma’s endorsement adds further weight to the move, aligning Assam with the Centre’s narrative on inclusive development and social justice. The Chief Minister’s remarks reflect the growing political consensus around the need to gather detailed caste data to better address the socio-economic disparities that persist across various communities in India.The upcoming census, if executed as proposed, is expected to shape future policies and welfare programs, with a sharper focus on equity and empowerment.