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Key Points

Prashant Kishor argues that a caste census alone won't improve conditions without government follow-up. Tejashwi Yadav celebrates the decision as a long-awaited socialist victory, recalling past resistance from Vajpayee. The NDA and Congress both support the move, with Ashwini Vaishnaw framing it as part of Modi's inclusive governance. The debate highlights the political significance of caste data in shaping India's development policies.

Key Points: Prashant Kishor Says Caste Census Alone Won't Bring Change Without Action

  • Kishor emphasizes need for action beyond census
  • Tejashwi calls it a 30-year socialist victory
  • Vajpayee earlier blocked similar move
  • NDA and Congress both welcome decision
3 min read

Prashant Kishor says caste census alone won't 'improve' situation, urges action on findings

Political strategist Prashant Kishor welcomes caste census but stresses real change depends on government action, as Tejashwi Yadav hails it as a socialist victory.

"Merely conducting caste surveys will not improve the situation unless the government works on its outcomes - Prashant Kishor"

Banka, April 30

After the Union Cabinet approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor welcomed the move but stressed that merely conducting a caste census would not improve the situation. He said the real change would come only if the government acts on the survey's findings to drive development.

"We have no issue with any such census or survey that gives a better understanding of society. But as we have seen in Bihar, merely conducting caste surveys will not improve the situation unless the government works on its outcomes," Kishor said while speaking to reporters.

Earlier in the day, RJD leader and former Bihar Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav hailed the Cabinet's decision as a historic victory for social justice and a long-standing demand of the socialist movement led by Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Tejashwi told ANI, "This has been our demand for over 30 years. It's not just a political development, it's a victory for all socialists and Lalu Yadav."

He recalled that the Cabinet had approved the caste census as far back as 1996-97, but it was never carried out due to opposition from then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"Despite the Cabinet's nod, Vajpayee ji did not allow it to proceed," he said.

Tejashwi pointed out that even recently, multiple political parties from Bihar had approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for caste-based enumeration.

"The Prime Minister initially turned down our demand. Many ministers had denied any possibility of it. But this decision shows the strength of our consistent struggle; they've been forced to act on our agenda," he asserted.

On Wednesday, the government decided that caste enumeration would be included in the forthcoming census.

Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed a press briefing on the Cabinet's decision, stating that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) had decided that caste enumeration would be part of the upcoming census.

Vaishnaw said this move would strengthen society's social and economic structure 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 also highlighted that the Modi government had earlier introduced a ten per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections without causing any stress on other sections of society.

Congress has long been advocating for a caste census, with party leaders frequently reiterating the demand in their speeches.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Prashant Kishor makes a valid point - data alone won't change anything. We've seen caste surveys in Bihar but where's the real development? Hope this census leads to better policies, not just political rhetoric. 🤞
P
Priya M.
Finally! This should have happened decades ago. How can we address inequality without knowing the exact numbers? But politicians better not misuse this data for vote bank politics. Let's use it for education and job opportunities.
A
Amit S.
Interesting how all parties are claiming credit now. Truth is, no government wanted to touch this sensitive issue earlier. Hope this leads to actual benefits reaching people rather than becoming another political football.
N
Neha T.
As someone from Bihar, I've seen how caste surveys became just another tool for politicians. What we need is action - better schools, hospitals and jobs for all. Data is good but implementation is key! #DevelopmentForAll
S
Sanjay R.
While caste census is important, we must ensure it doesn't deepen divisions. The focus should be on uplifting everyone economically. Modi government's EWS quota was a step in right direction - let's build on that inclusive approach.

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