Why is 2027 Census India's first caste census since 1931?

The 2027 Census is being described as the first caste census since 1931 because the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted separately from the regular Census. The caste enumeration will now be a part of the official Census exercise. The 1931 Census is considered the last comprehensive caste count, as detailed data from 1941 Census was never published.