India to Include Caste in Next Census | JQJO

India will include caste data in its upcoming census, a decision with significant socio-economic and political implications. The move, announced by Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is expected to fuel demands for increased quotas in government jobs and education for lower castes. While past governments resisted this, citing potential unrest, supporters argue it's crucial for effective social justice programs. The census, delayed from 2021, was last conducted in 2011. This announcement comes ahead of key elections in Bihar, where caste is a pivotal factor, and follows pressure from opposition parties who lauded the decision.