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Key Points

Ajit Pawar publicly backed the Centre's caste census decision, emphasizing its role in shaping inclusive policies. He credited PM Modi and Amit Shah while dismissing opposition skepticism as politically motivated. The NCP leader also voiced support for simultaneous elections, invoking Atal Bihari Vajpayee's legacy. The move aims to standardize caste data collection, avoiding fragmented state-level surveys.

Key Points: Ajit Pawar Backs Modi Govt Caste Census Citing Policy Benefits

  • Pawar praises Modi govt for caste census inclusion
  • Links census data to equitable policy formulation
  • Endorses One Nation One Election proposal
  • Counters opposition claims of electoral motives
3 min read

Helps understand society, aids policy-making, Ajit Pawar backs Centre's caste census decision

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar supports Centre's caste census decision, credits PM Modi for aiding social policy while endorsing One Nation One Election.

"The demand for caste-based census has been longstanding as it helps understand society and aids policy-making – Ajit Pawar"

Pune, May 1

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar unfurled the national flag at the Pune City Police Headquarters Parade Ground on the occasion of Maharashtra's 65th Foundation Day.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Pawar addressed the inclusion of a caste census in the national census.

Pawar said, "The demand for caste-based census has been longstanding, as it helps in understanding the composition of different sections of society and aids in policy-making decisions. Considering this, the Union Cabinet has made the decision. Personally, at the state government and NCP levels, I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah, and the entire Cabinet for this decision. The opposition has always argued that if a good decision is taken, it is attributed to electoral motives; and if no decision is taken, they claim the government fails to act. But that is their approach. Now tell me - Lok Sabha elections are still 4.5 years away, with only some assembly elections in between."

Pawar further endorsed the "One Nation, One Election" proposal, stating, "Like 'One Nation, One Tax,' this proposal is with the Prime Minister and should be accepted by all.

"That is why, just like the concept of "One Nation, One Tax," the proposal for "One Nation, One Election" is also with the Prime Minister, and it should be accepted by all. If Atal Bihari Vajpayee were here today, he would have welcomed this proposal wholeheartedly," he said.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday 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.

According to Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union subject listed at item 69 in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule.

"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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some data-driven governance! For too long we've made policies based on assumptions. A caste census will help target welfare schemes better. But hope this doesn't become another political tool for vote bank politics 🙏
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Priya M.
While data collection is good, I worry this might reinforce caste identities rather than reduce them. We should be moving towards a casteless society, not documenting divisions more meticulously. The timing does seem political despite what Pawar says.
S
Sanjay T.
Good decision by Modi government! For years opposition parties used caste for votes without proper data. Now we'll have transparent numbers to plan development schemes. One Nation One Election is also visionary - will save so much taxpayer money from frequent elections!
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Ananya R.
As a young Indian, I'm conflicted. On one hand, we need data for equitable development. On other hand, does everything have to be about caste? Can't we just be Indians first? Also, One Nation One Election sounds good but may weaken regional voices.
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Vikram S.
Pawar's sudden praise for Modi shows how political winds change! 😄 But seriously, caste census is overdue. My village still has no proper schools for backward communities because no one knows exact numbers. Hope this leads to actual development, not just more reservations.
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Neha P.
The way Vaishnaw explained it makes sense - better to have standardized national data than random state surveys. But implementation will be key. Last census had so many errors in our area. Also, hope they maintain privacy - caste data can be misused if leaked.

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