India is making a big change. For the first time since 1931, the national census will collect detailed caste information, including data about Muslims. This change is being called “Mandal 2.0,” and it could shake up the political and social scene in India.
What is Mandal 2.0?
The name “Mandal 2.0” comes from the 1990 Mandal Commission report, which suggested giving certain communities, called Other Backward Classes (OBCs), special benefits. Now, the upcoming census will update this idea by collecting more detailed caste data, including for Muslims. This information will help improve government programs that support these communities.
🕌 What About Muslim Castes?
For the first time ever, the census will record the castes of Muslims. They will focus especially on the Pasmanda Muslims, who have faced a lot of social and economic challenges. These groups will be included in the OBC category, but they won’t get any extra reservations because there is already a limit on OBC reservations (27%). This move is important because it highlights the struggles that many Muslims face, especially after the Sachar Committee found that about 40% of Muslims in India are part of the OBC or belong to other lower caste groups.
What Does This Mean Politically?
The BJP, the ruling party, has changed its stance and is now supporting the caste census. This is seen as an effort to keep its support among backward castes, especially with important elections coming up in states like Bihar and Karnataka. Opposition parties like Congress, SP, and RJD have been asking for this census for years, so this shift from the BJP is seen as a response to that pressure.
What’s Next?
- When Will It Happen? The caste data collection will start in the next 2–3 months, and it will be done digitally to make the process faster and more accurate.
- What Will the Data Be Used For? The data will help the government make decisions about who gets benefits from reservation programs and social welfare plans.
- How Are People Reacting? This move has sparked a lot of discussion. Some believe it will help reduce inequality, while others worry it might cause more divisions in society.
