Ishfaq Gowher /Gulistan News Tv

In a landmark move, the Union Government has decided to initiate Census 2026 from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and other hilly regions, considering the geographical challenges and limited seasonal accessibility in these areas. This will also mark the first national caste enumeration since 1931, a decision approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, announced that the government is planning to amend the Census Act, 1948, to facilitate the collection of caste-based data. This move comes in response to rising political and public demands for a comprehensive caste census aimed at addressing socio-economic disparities across communities.“Suitable changes to the Census Act are under consideration to include caste enumeration in 2026,” the minister stated.The government emphasized that the process will be scientific, transparent, and conducted under the supervision of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
As per the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act (2001), delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies is to be conducted based on population data from the first census after 2026. The current boundaries are based on the 1971 Census, despite significant demographic shifts over the last five decades.
Officials confirmed that Census operations will start in J&K, Ladakh, and other hilly areas due to climatic constraints. These regions require early enumeration due to their limited operational windows and logistical challenges.
This will be India’s first official caste-based census since 1931, although caste details of SCs and STs have been recorded in all censuses since 1951. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 gathered some caste data but was never fully published.
The new census aims to gather data on education, employment, income levels, and access to welfare schemes, across all caste categories, including OBCs, General Category, and marginalized groups.
While Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called the decision historic and necessary, he also criticized previous opposition-led state surveys as unscientific and politically motivated.
Opposition leaders, particularly from Congress and INDIA bloc, welcomed the move, claiming it as a result of sustained pressure and public demand.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other regional leaders had long advocated for caste-based enumeration, citing the need for accurate data to ensure fair representation and equitable policy-making.
Tribal groups have renewed calls to include Sarna Dharma under the religion column in the Census. Communities in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh have demanded formal recognition of their indigenous faith, distinct from other major religions.
While the demand is under review, no official confirmation has been issued regarding its inclusion in Census 2026.
The government plans to deploy advanced digital tools, including GPS mapping and mobile applications, to ensure smooth and accurate data collection. Enumerators will undergo special training, and pilot exercises may begin in select Union Territories and states.
Census 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and socially impactful enumeration exercises in India’s history. With caste data collection, tribal identity recognition, and delimitation on the agenda, it could reshape India’s socio-political landscape for decades to come.
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