New Delhi, April 30 -- The Centre on Wednesday approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the forthcoming Census. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, which met today, amid growing demands for a caste census.

Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the move was prompted by the need for transparency and consistency, noting that previous caste-related surveys had been conducted in an ad hoc and often politically motivated manner.

"Such surveys have created doubts in society. Considering all these facts, and to ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be transparently included in the Census instead of surveys. This will strengthen the...