Case for Caste Census

India Runs on Caste but We Have No Data to Prove it

In modern India, "jati" feels like an outdated word, but in reality, it has shaped our workforce, industries, and economy for centuries. Communities aren’t just social identities; they are skilled workforces that have kept traditional industries alive.

Take the Darziwalas, Mochis, Kumhars, and countless others—many of them fall under the OBC category today. They don’t just belong to a caste—they belong to a craft, a trade, an economic ecosystem that has existed for generations.

Yet, India’s policies only focus on reservations, while ignoring investment in their actual products and services. Many of these communities are still thriving but remain in the unorganized sector, without structured support or upskilling.

The Problem: We Lack Data on These Industries

We don’t even have structured data on these skilled workforces. How can we build an economy that includes every worker, artisan, and traditional business if we don’t even know where they stand?

At Darzee, we are building for 15M+ tailoring professionals who have sustained India’s custom fashion industry for generations. With the right structured support, training, and integration into the formal economy, they won’t just survive—they can unlock a multi-billion dollar opportunity.

The Opportunity: On-Demand, Just-in-Time Fashion

By digitizing these businesses, we can enable on-demand, Just-in-Time (JIT) fashion production, reducing waste and positioning India as a global leader in sustainable, scalable fashion.

A Caste Census isn’t just about reservations—it’s about recognizing these industries as economic powerhouses. Investing in them doesn’t just empower communities—it transforms India’s economic future.

Why This Matters for India’s Growth

A Caste Census isn’t just about reservations—it’s about data that helps build a more holistic economy. If we document, recognize, and invest in these traditional industries, we don’t just empower communities—we strengthen India’s economic backbone.

Rahul Gandhi’s push for a Caste Census can change how we see and support India’s workforce. It’s time to go beyond just quotas and start investing in skills, businesses, and industries that have been running India for generations.