Caste-Based Census a 'Transformative Step,' Says Vice President Dhankhar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday praised the Union government’s decision to conduct a caste-based census, calling it a “great decision” that would be a “transformative step” for the country.

Speaking to Indian Statistical Service probationers, Dhankhar emphasized the significance of the move, saying it would pave the way for social justice and give voice to long-standing public aspirations. “It will be an eye-opener,” he said. “There was a caste-based census earlier—in 1931. I’ve looked at it many times to understand my own caste background. That’s why I understand how important this is.”

Countering the notion that caste-based data collection might be divisive, Dhankhar argued that such data would instead foster unity. “How can information, by itself, be a source of division? It’s like undergoing an MRI—you get to know what’s happening inside. This will help translate abstract constitutional commitments to equality into concrete, measurable policy outcomes,” he said.

Earlier this month, the Centre announced plans to conduct the caste-based census alongside the upcoming national census—responding to growing pressure from both allies and opposition parties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recently described the initiative as a step toward mainstreaming marginalised communities, during a meeting with NDA chief ministers and deputy chief ministers.

Highlighting the importance of data-driven governance, the Vice President said that India’s journey to becoming a developed nation depends on evidence-based planning. “Viksit Bharat is not just a dream—it’s our destination. India is no longer a country with just potential; it’s a nation on the rise. And that rise is powered by data, by statistical insight,” he said.

He added that using accurate demographic data is key not just to policymaking, but also to national security, calling on statisticians to play a vital role in shaping the country’s future.