Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge Call for Revision of Caste Census Methodology

New Delhi, India Aug 26, 2026 ALN: Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abandon the existing caste census questionnaire, advocating for a revised approach that utilizes a verified list of castes. This appeal was made in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Tuesday.

In their correspondence, Kharge, who serves as the leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and Gandhi, the leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized the government's decision to employ an open-ended question for recording caste details, labeling it as misleading. They stated, “We do not accept the caste census being conducted in this manner.”

The leaders expressed concerns that the open-ended format could lead to the same caste being recorded under various names, sub-castes, and regional variations. This issue of nomenclature is particularly significant in a country as diverse as India, where the caste system is intricate and deeply rooted in historical and social contexts. They emphasized that a precise assessment of the population numbers and socio-economic status of different castes can only be achieved through a properly conducted enumeration.

According to Gandhi and Kharge, the current methodology risks fragmenting the data, making it challenging to accurately ascertain the population and socio-economic conditions of various communities. They highlighted that this approach could particularly disadvantage “backward, extremely backward, and other deprived communities,” ultimately affecting critical decisions regarding education, employment, welfare schemes, and social justice. The implications of this data fragmentation are far-reaching, as accurate census data is essential for the government to implement targeted welfare programs and ensure equitable distribution of resources.

Additionally, the leaders pointed out that the questionnaire fails to include the term “backward class,” which would hinder the ability to determine the size of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) population through this exercise. This omission is particularly concerning given the historical context of caste-based discrimination and the need for affirmative action to uplift marginalized communities.

To address these issues, they proposed the creation of a drop-down list of castes, akin to the method employed for enumerating Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. They suggested that such a list could be compiled using existing government records, including those of socially and educationally backward classes, as well as data from the Anthropological Survey of India. This approach not only promises greater accuracy but also respects the historical context of caste identities in India.

Kharge and Gandhi referenced the caste surveys conducted in Telangana and Bihar as successful examples of utilizing prepared caste lists for accurate enumeration. These state-level initiatives have shown that a structured approach to caste enumeration can yield reliable data, which can then be used to inform policy decisions at both state and national levels.

On August 18, the Congress party accused the Narendra Modi government of attempting to “sabotage” the caste census. This accusation points to a broader political narrative in which opposition parties allege that the ruling government is not fully committed to addressing caste-based disparities in the country. In the upcoming Census 2027, surveyors will inquire whether respondents belong to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, while also including an open-ended question for other communities regarding their caste.

This marks a significant shift, as it will be the first time in independent India that caste will be enumerated across all communities. Historically, the Census has only recorded the populations of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The last comprehensive effort to count the population of all caste groups occurred in 1931, and since then, there has been a growing demand for a more inclusive approach to census data collection.

In recent years, the Opposition has been vocal in demanding a nationwide caste census, arguing that such an initiative would facilitate the identification of the true population of the country’s Other Backward Classes and other castes, thereby enabling the formulation of policies for expanded reservations in jobs and education. The demand for a caste census has gained momentum as social justice movements have highlighted the need for accurate data to address systemic inequalities in Indian society.

The implications of the caste census are vast, touching on issues of representation, social justice, and economic opportunity. Accurate data on caste demographics can help policymakers design targeted interventions to uplift marginalized communities, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed. Furthermore, it can provide a clearer picture of the socio-economic landscape of the country, which is essential for fostering inclusive growth.

As the debate over the caste census methodology unfolds, it is clear that the stakes are high. The outcome of this discussion will not only affect the current census process but will also have lasting implications for social policy and the future of caste-based affirmative action in India. The call for a revised methodology reflects a broader concern about ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and represented in the national discourse.