Hyderabad, Telangana — Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday hailed the Government of India’s decision to issue a gazette notification for the 16th Census, which for the first time will include a caste-based enumeration. Calling it a “historic step,” Reddy emphasized the far-reaching impact of this move on governance and inclusive development.
“The Government of India has taken a historic step,” Reddy said. “Today, the Government of India has issued the notification. There will also be a caste census; it is a very big decision.”
He added that the inclusion of caste data will help shape policies and resource distribution more effectively. “After this, be it welfare activity, scheme, budget allocation, political reservation — everything will be worked upon in a proper manner,” he said.
The caste enumeration is expected to provide critical data that will guide social justice measures and developmental programs in a more targeted and equitable way.
