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Key Points

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the caste census should prioritize welfare over politics during her Chennai address. The Modi government formally approved including caste enumeration in the upcoming national census after a Cabinet Committee meeting. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified the constitutional basis for the decision while Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu hailed it as revolutionary. Meanwhile, PM Modi took digs at the INDIA bloc during a Kerala event, linking the caste census announcement to political tensions.

Key Points: Sitharaman Says Caste Census Must Help Downtrodden Not Politicians

  • Sitharaman accuses DMK of politicizing caste census
  • Modi govt approves caste enumeration in national census
  • Ashwini Vaishnaw cites constitutional mandate for decision
  • Andhra CM Naidu praises move as revolutionary
3 min read

Caste Census should benefit the downtrodden, not be politicised: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

FM Nirmala Sitharaman warns against politicizing caste census, urges focus on uplifting marginalized communities as Modi govt approves inclusion.

"Don’t see it as a political thing; think about how it benefits the downtrodden people - Nirmala Sitharaman"

Chennai, May 2

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday weighed in on the caste census debate, asserting that the focus should remain on uplifting downtrodden communities rather than turning the issue into a political battleground.

Speaking in Chennai, Sitharaman said, "DMK and the Opposition are trying to claim victory for themselves, but they didn't do that. Don't see it as a political thing; think about how it benefits the downtrodden people."

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated at a media briefing following the Cabinet meeting that the decision demonstrates the present government's commitment to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society.

As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in Schedule VII.

"While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society. Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey," Vaishnaw said.

The Union Minister stated that caste has been excluded from all census operations conducted since Independence.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a political jibe at the Opposition INDIA bloc during the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala on Friday in Thiruvananthapuram, stating that the presence of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on stage "would disturb the sleep" of many people.

In his address during the public event after the inauguration, PM Modi said, "I want to tell Chief Minister (Pinarayi Vijayan), you are a strong pillar of the INDI Alliance, Shashi Tharoor is also sitting here. Today's event is going to disturb the sleep of many."

PM Modi addressed in Hindi for translation and said, "The message has gone wherever it has to go."

PM Modi's jibe comes after the Centre included caste enumeration in the forthcoming census. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision on April 30 following the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meeting.

Terming the Central government's decision to conduct a caste census "revolutionary," Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said that India is on the path to becoming a great nation in the coming years.

Addressing the public in Amravati in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Naidu said, "PM Modi has also taken another revolutionary decision by initiating the caste census -- a commendable move that will help uplift the poor and ensure targeted support. India is on the path to becoming a great nation in the coming years."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some sense in this debate! Caste census should be about development, not politics. If data helps target welfare schemes better, why oppose it? But politicians from all sides need to stop using it as a weapon. 🙏
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the intent, I'm skeptical about implementation. Last time caste data was collected in 2011, it was never made public. Transparency is key - otherwise this will just become another political tool before elections.
A
Arvind S.
Good move by the government. We need accurate data to understand ground realities. But FM is right - the focus must remain on uplifting people, not creating vote banks. Hope this leads to better policies for marginalized communities.
S
Sunita R.
Why is PM Modi making political jokes when discussing such a serious issue? The caste census is important, but leaders should maintain dignity. We citizens want solutions, not political drama. 😒
V
Vikram J.
As someone from a rural background, I've seen how caste still affects opportunities. If this census helps bridge gaps in education and employment, it's welcome. But implementation must be fair - no favoring any particular group.
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Neha P.
Mixed feelings about this. While data is important, I worry this might reinforce caste identities instead of weakening them. Can't we focus more on economic status rather than caste? The ultimate goal should be a casteless society.

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