Center’s Big Announcement: Caste Data to be Included in Next Population Census
In a major decision, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming decadal census. This announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who emphasized the government’s commitment to the values and interests of society.
The move to include caste-based enumeration in the census comes ahead of the Bihar assembly polls later this year and addresses a long-standing demand from various political parties and social groups. The decision has been welcomed by allies of the National Democratic Alliance, with the Janata Dal United (JDU) hailing it as a step towards drafting equitable and targeted policies.
Minister Vaishnaw criticized opposition-ruled states that have conducted surveys on caste without transparency, causing confusion in society. He emphasized the importance of including caste enumeration in the census to strengthen the social and economic structure of society.
The decision was also supported by JDU working president Sanjay Jha, who called it a historic move that will aid in making more effective plans for the welfare and upliftment of deprived sections. The JDU has been at the forefront of the demand for caste-based enumeration and has conducted a caste census in Bihar with complete transparency.
Other NDA allies, such as the RLSP and the LJP, have also welcomed the decision, stating that it will prove to be a milestone in the development of oppressed and exploited sections of society. Union Minister Chirag Paswan of the LJP emphasized that the inclusion of caste data in the census will bring about inclusive development in the country.
Overall, the decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census has been met with widespread support from various political parties and social groups, marking a significant step towards addressing socio-economic inequalities and making more targeted welfare plans for marginalized communities.
