India, April 30 -- In a major decision, the Union government announced on Wednesday that caste enumeration would be part of the upcoming census and assured it would be carried out in a "transparent" manner.

Addressing the media on the Cabinet's decisions, information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while some states have conducted caste surveys, conducting a census falls under the purview of the Centre. He added that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has resolved to include caste enumeration in the next census.

Several opposition leaders welcomed the Centre's announcement, saying it would support the government in addressing reservation demands from various caste groups.

The Congress, which has consisten...