Overview

• The Indian government has officially approved caste enumeration in the national census, marking the first such exercise since 1931.
• This decision follows sustained pressure from the Congress, which has been demanding a caste census and the implementation of Article 15(5) for private institution reservations.
• Congress has launched nationwide 'Samvidhan Bachao' rallies to advocate for a transparent, time-bound census and updated caste data to influence welfare and reservation policies.
• Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have been credited with forcing the government's policy reversal, which they describe as a 'desperate U-turn' by Prime Minister Modi.
• The BJP had previously opposed caste enumeration, with internal discussions on the issue reportedly beginning after the 2024 elections.