**Caste Census to Include Muslim Castes: Key Details and Implications**
The forthcoming caste census will encompass the caste identities of Muslims, as confirmed by sources on Friday. In addition to a religion column, there will be a dedicated caste column for all individuals, allowing for the documentation of various castes within the Muslim community. However, it has been clarified that demands for reservations based on religion will not be entertained, as such reservations are not permissible under current regulations.
The census is anticipated to commence within the next two to three months, with the process of appointing officials set to begin shortly. Once all preparatory measures are finalized, the actual census is expected to be completed within a 15-day timeframe. This census will utilize digital methods, integrating Aadhaar, biometric data, and artificial intelligence for data collection. Although the analysis of the data may take one to two years, a comprehensive report will be published thereafter.
The government aims to implement women’s reservations in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Following the completion of the census next year, the delimitation process will initiate, which will involve forming a commission that will travel across states to compile its report. Given the increase in the OBC population, the current 27% reservation cap in government jobs and educational institutions may be subject to reevaluation.
Currently, there has been no action on the Justice Rohini Commission’s report regarding sub-categorization within reservations. However, this issue may be revisited post-census, with some stakeholders expressing concerns that such a formula could undermine existing protections for OBC, SC, and ST communities.
Discussions regarding the modalities of the caste census are expected to involve all political parties. The INDIA bloc may experience internal conflicts over the census and delimitation, potentially leading to a North vs. South debate. Meanwhile, calls for reservations in the private sector have been dismissed as unfounded, despite similar demands raised during the Manmohan Singh administration, which faced opposition from the private sector. Article 15(5), which pertains to private educational institutions, is already in effect.
**FAQ**
**Will the caste census affect reservation policies?**
The caste census will document various castes, but demands for reservations based on religion will not be accepted, and the current reservation policies may be reevaluated based on the census findings.
