Caste Counts: Why Data Must Drive Justice

Rajesh Shukla
May 1, 2025 | 21:03 IST

If we want caste to matter less tomorrow, we must first understand how much it still matters today. For that enumeration isn’t enough. Only deep sample surveys can provide a detailed diagnosis



India’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census marks a significant shift in how the state understands its people. This can be a transformative step towards evidence-based, inclusive governance — if implemented with care, clarity, and purpose.
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