8:24 PM IST – Caste Census The Ministry of Home Affairs confirms that Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed preparations for the upcoming census with the Union Home Secretary and senior officials
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📅 Census Timeline & Scope
Caste enumeration will be included for the first time since 1931
The census will be conducted in two phases:
Mountainous & snow-bound regions begin on October 1, 2026
All other regions start on March 1, 2027, with completion expected in the months that follow
A delimitation exercise, using this census data, is anticipated before the 2029 general elections
🏛️ Political Context & Reactions
The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, approved adding caste enumeration on April 30, 2025. It was called a “historic decision” by the Government
Ashwini Vaishnaw (Information Minister) emphasized the move supports “equitable and targeted policies
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Opposition voices: Rahul Gandhi urged a “clear timeline” and hailed it as “first step towards deep social reform,” while Akhilesh Yadav (SP) claimed it would occur under a PDA government in UP
State-level surveys are influencing momentum: Telangana’s and Karnataka’s caste surveys are credited with applying pressure
DIGI MERCH STORE PRINT ON DEMAND
🏛️ Amit Shah & MHA’s Role
The MHA stresses budget is not a constraint, preparations are underway, and there’s a firm commitment to quality and coverage
Delimitation concerns from southern states (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) will be addressed at an “appropriate time,” as per Amit Shah’s assurances
Shah has reiterated that once the census data with caste figures is ready, delimitation will proceed thoughtfully and transparently
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Summary
Amit Shah conducted a high‑level review on June 15, confirming the caste census preparations are in motion
Census with detailed caste data will officially start March 1, 2027, and in hilly regions from October 1, 2026.
The outcome will set the stage for constituency delimitation ahead of the 2029 elections
Central and state governments are coordinating to ensure smooth rollout, especially addressing regional political concerns.
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