Kharge signals renewed Congress push for caste census

IANS May 23, 2025 255 views

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is leading a renewed campaign for a comprehensive national caste census to address social inequalities. He emphasized the need to transform social justice from a slogan to concrete policy, focusing on proportional representation and equal opportunities. Kharge called on party spokespersons to communicate the importance of the caste census with sensitivity and factual precision. The initiative aims to review existing reservation policies and ensure marginalized communities receive fair representation in education and social systems.

"We have to clearly demand that Article 15(5) of the Constitution be implemented immediately" - Mallikarjun Kharge
New Delhi, May 23: Signalling a renewed push for a caste census, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday shared with the party's 140 spokespersons a strategy to highlight the party's commitment to the social cause.

Key Points

1

Congress pushes for nationwide caste census with transparent methodology

2

Seeks to review 50% reservation cap based on new social data

3

Advocates for OBC, Dalit, and Adivasi educational access

4

Highlights Telangana's caste survey as a potential national model

"All of you are the spokespersons of our party, the voice of our thoughts. Today, when the country is becoming aware of the caste census, it is our responsibility to take this topic to the public with facts, with sensitivity, and without fear," said Kharge in his address to the spokespersons.

Kharge said when the country is talking about social justice, it is the responsibility of the Congress to give direction to this discussion, take it from slogan to policy and make 'jitni abadi, utna haq' (quota proportionate to population) not just a slogan but a national resolve.

In a video message to the spokespersons, Kharge also shed light on the future strategy on issues related to the caste census.

"We have to clearly demand that Article 15(5) of the Constitution be implemented immediately to provide reservation to OBC, Dalit and Adivasi students in private educational institutions," he said.

Today, when a large number of educational institutes are concentrated in the private sector, denying access to these communities is a form of exploitation, he said, adding, "Congress believes that no society can be equal without equal opportunity in education."

The Congress President also shed light on the need to review the existing 50 per cent cap on reservations.

"We must ensure that the 50 per cent reservation limit is now reconsidered in the light of new data. When social realities have changed and data presents a new picture, our policies must also change accordingly. The current limit of reservation must be seen with a balance of both data and justice, so that OBC, Dalit and Adivasi communities get their real due," he said.

Kharge also highlighted the model on caste census developed by the party's government in Telangana.

"The caste survey conducted in Telangana presented a model in which society, experts and the government all participated. We want the central government to also adopt a similar public-oriented and transparent model. We are ready to cooperate in this process," he said.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some concrete action from Congress! Caste census is long overdue in India. How can we make fair policies without accurate data? Jitni abadi, utna haq makes perfect sense. Hope other parties support this too.
P
Priya M.
While I support social justice, I'm concerned about the 50% cap removal. Reservation was meant to be temporary, but it's becoming permanent. We need to focus more on quality education for all instead of just increasing quotas. 🧐
S
Sanjay T.
Kharge ji is right about private institutions. Many top colleges take government benefits but don't follow reservation policies. This hypocrisy must end! The Telangana model seems practical - hope it gets implemented nationally.
A
Ananya R.
As someone from a general category, I worry my children will have even fewer opportunities if reservations keep expanding. We need balance - upliftment shouldn't come at the cost of merit. Why not improve government schools first?
V
Vikram J.
Good move by Congress! The last caste census was in 1931 - how can 90-year-old data guide today's policies? We need current numbers to understand ground realities. Hope this isn't just political drama before elections though.
N
Neha P.
Reservation in private colleges is much needed! So many talented students from villages can't afford coaching classes but have the capability. Equal opportunity in education is the first step towards real social justice. 👍

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Tags:
Caste Census Mallikarjun Kharge Congress Party Social Justice Reservation OBC Rights Dalit Empowerment