Muslim castes to be recorded, but not quota

Sources said on Friday that the upcoming caste census will include the caste of Muslims as well. Alongside the religion column, a caste column will be present for everyone. Multiple castes within the Muslim community will be documented through this process.

However, sources clarified that the demand for Muslim reservations will not be accepted, as reservation based on religion is not permitted.

The census work is expected to begin within the next two to three months. The deputation process for appointing officials will commence soon. Once all preparatory steps are completed, the actual census will be conducted within 15 days. This census will also be carried out, incorporating Aadhaar, biometric data, and artificial intelligence. Though the data analysis may take one to two years, the complete report will be published afterward.

The government aims to conduct the 2029 Lok Sabha elections with women’s reservation in place. Once the census is completed next year, the process of delimitation will begin, for which a commission will be formed and will tour states to draft its report.

With a rise in the OBC population, the current 27% reservation cap in government jobs and educational institutions may be reconsidered. Also, there has been no action yet on the Justice Rohini Commission report regarding sub-categorization within reservation. However, post-census, this issue may be revisited. 

Discussions with all political parties on the modalities of the caste census may take place. The INDIA bloc could face internal tensions over the census and delimitation, potentially sparking a North vs South debate.