Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Lok Sabha, clarifying that the delay in India's census was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. He confirmed that the government has now decided to conduct a caste-based census as part of the upcoming national enumeration.
Shah emphasized that once the counting of individuals begins, caste data will also be collected, leaving "no confusion" about the government's intent. He also took a swipe at opposition leaders, accusing them of creating unnecessary doubts despite long-standing demands for caste census.
The announcement is expected to have major political and social implications as debates over representation and reservation continue.