Caste census may get nod

Notwithstanding divisions in the Cabinet, the government is likely to give a green signal for inclusion of caste in census.

Sources said the meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM), constituted to go into the controversial issue on Thursday could decide on the modalities for such an exercise.

The GoM headed by the finance minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, may have to decide on the issue as the second part of the Census exercise is scheduled to begin in September.

Besides, the Monsoon Session of Parliament is expected to commence next month and a decision on the issue is vital given the fact that the last session saw virtual unanimity among the political class for inclusion of caste in the exercise.

The government had decided in May to set up the GoM on the controversial issue after consensus over the issue eluded at two meetings of the Union Cabinet. A caste census was last done in the year 1931.