We doubt their intention to fulfil this promise regarding caste census: Sachin Pilot

ANI June 17, 2025 385 views

Congress leader Sachin Pilot has raised doubts about the BJP-led government's commitment to conducting a caste census, citing past delays and insufficient budget allocation. He accused the government of initially dismissing the demand before yielding to opposition pressure. Pilot emphasized that the census is crucial for ensuring equitable distribution of government benefits. The census is now scheduled for 2027, with a reference date set for March that year.

"Earlier, they delayed it using COVID as an excuse, and even now, we doubt their intention to fulfil this promise." – Sachin Pilot
New Delhi, June 17: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday questioned the intention of the BJP-led Union government over the caste census, accusing them of delaying the exercise earlier by citing COVID as an excuse.

Key Points

1

Pilot questions BJP's sudden U-turn on caste census

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Accuses govt of delaying exercise citing COVID

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Notes insufficient budget allocation for 2027 census

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Highlights caste census's role in welfare scheme distribution

On caste census, Congress leader Sachin Pilot told reporters, "BJP and PM Modi had earlier said that the demand for a caste census is being raised by 'Urban Naxals', and they even mentioned in parliament in writing that they do not want to conduct it. After pressure from the opposition, they suddenly accepted our demand. But the notification now says the census will be conducted in 2027.

He also questioned the budget allocation to start the exercise in 2027.

"Earlier, they delayed it using COVID as an excuse, and even now, we doubt their intention to fulfil this promise. Around Rs 8,000-10,000 crore is usually spent on the census, but this government has allocated only Rs 570 crore in the budget"

He stated that the caste census ensures that the government schemes' benefits reach every beneficiary.

"The caste census is not just to know a person's caste -- it is to ensure that government schemes are reaching the people, to check whether they are benefiting from them, and to understand the employment rate..."

The notification to conduct the Census was published in the official Gazette on Monday, following a high-level meeting held in Delhi, where the Home Minister reviewed the plan along with the Union Home Secretary, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI), and other senior officials.

The Population Census 2027 will begin with a reference date of March 1, 2027, for most parts of the country. The reference date for snow-bound and non-synchronous areas such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will be October 1, 2026.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Why is everything being delayed to 2027? This government keeps making promises but always pushes deadlines. The caste census is important for proper policy making, not just political games. 😕
P
Priya M.
Sachin Pilot makes valid points. The budget allocation of just Rs 570 crore shows lack of seriousness. Census needs proper funding to be accurate and useful for welfare schemes.
A
Amit S.
Both BJP and Congress play politics with caste data. Instead of finger-pointing, all parties should work together to ensure proper implementation. Data transparency benefits everyone!
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Neha T.
The delay is frustrating but let's not forget Congress didn't conduct caste census during UPA either. All parties use this issue for votes rather than actual social justice. 🤷‍♀️
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Vijay R.
Caste census is needed but should be done properly with adequate time and resources. Rushing it would lead to inaccurate data. Maybe 2027 timeline allows for better preparation?
S
Sunita P.
Instead of just counting castes, the government should focus on ensuring education and jobs for all. Data is useless without concrete action plans to reduce inequality.

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Tags:
Sachin Pilot BJP caste census Congress Modi government census 2027 social justice