India's first caste census: will it narrow gaps or be an election tool?

Shifting political, social, economic vistas in world's most populous nation

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India's cabinet recently green-lit a detailed caste census for the first time since it was last held in 1931 during British rule. (Source photos by Yuji Kuronuma and Kosaku Mimura)

KIRAN SHARMA

NEW DELHI -- In an apparent policy shift, the Indian government has recently decided to include caste details of all Indians in the country's census exercise for the first time since independence in 1947.

The move could have major political implications and lead to demands for increased quotas for government jobs and educational places for certain groups.

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