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Key Points

The Modi government has approved including caste enumeration in the upcoming census, citing constitutional authority. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw accused Congress of politicizing caste surveys while states conducted them inconsistently. The decision aims to ensure transparency and strengthen social equity without political interference. This move contrasts with Congress' past reluctance despite demands from various political parties.

Key Points: Modi Government Approves Caste Census in Forthcoming Population Survey

  • Caste enumeration approved in census for transparency
  • Congress accused of opposing caste census historically
  • States conducted surveys with political bias
  • Modi govt cites constitutional authority for centralized census
2 min read

Caste enumeration to be part of forthcoming population census, says government

Cabinet approves caste enumeration in census, accuses Congress of politicizing the issue while states conducted surveys inconsistently.

"Congress and its INDI alliance partners have only used the caste census as a political tool. - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

New Delhi, April 30

In a significant decision, the government on Wednesday decided that caste enumeration will be included in the forthcoming census.

Briefing the media about the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that some states have done caste surveys and conducting a census is in the domain of the central government.

He said Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census.

Vaishnaw alleged that Congress governments "have always opposed caste census".

"Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since independence. In 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singhji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census should be considered in the cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most political parties recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct only a survey of caste instead of a census. That survey is known as SECC," Vaishnaw said.

"It is well understood that Congress and its INDI alliance partners have only used the caste census as a political tool. As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the subject census is listed at 69 in the Union list in the 7th schedule. According to the Constitution of India, census is a Union subject. Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate caste. Some states have done this well, while some others have conducted such surveys purely from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Considering all these facts and to ensure that a social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be transparently included in the census instead of surveys," he added.

Vaishnaw said this will strengthen the social and economic structure of the society while the nation continues to progress.

"Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that Caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country," he said.

The minister said that the Modi government had earlier introduced ten per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections without causing any stress on any section of the society.

Congress has been demanding a caste census, with party leaders repeatedly making the demand in their speeches.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally! This was long overdue. How can we address caste-based inequalities without proper data? Hope this leads to better targeted welfare schemes. The Congress had 60+ years to do this but only played politics with it. Better late than never 👍
P
Priya M.
While data is important, I worry this might reinforce caste identities rather than help us move beyond them. The focus should be on economic upliftment for all poor, regardless of caste. Reservation based on economic criteria makes more sense in 2024.
A
Amit S.
Good decision by Modi government. But implementation must be transparent - no room for errors or manipulation. Also, the data should be used for development purposes only, not to create further divisions. Jai Hind!
S
Sunita R.
Why is this becoming a BJP vs Congress debate? As an ordinary citizen, I just want accurate data to help my children get equal opportunities. All parties have used caste for votes - now let's use it for development instead 🤞
V
Vikram J.
The timing seems political with elections around the corner. But if it leads to better policy-making, I'm all for it. Just hope the exercise doesn't become another tool for vote bank politics like everything else in our country.
N
Neha P.
As someone from a small town, I've seen how caste still affects marriages, jobs, even temple entry. Maybe this census will finally show the real picture and force our society to change. But will politicians really use this data for good? That's the big question.

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