Decadal Census Preparations Underway with Caste Column Decision Pending

The Indian government is preparing for the decadal census, but has yet to decide on including a caste column. The 2020 census was delayed due to COVID-19. This will be India's first digital census with self-enumeration options. The census's results will affect the Women's Reservation Act's implementation.

Preparations for conducting India's decadal census are in full swing, yet a final decision on whether to include a caste column is still pending, according to sources on Sunday.

Speaking under anonymity, one source confirmed that the census is set to commence soon, marking a continuation of a practice initiated in 1881.

Originally scheduled to start on April 1, 2020, the first phase was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This decadal census is crucial for implementing the Women's Reservation Act, which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

(With inputs from agencies.)