Why is the Congress ‘unconvinced’ with the Census notification?
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Synopsis
Congress leader Pawan Khera raises significant concerns about the government’s commitment to caste enumeration in the upcoming Census. With the absence of the caste clause in the official notification, doubts about the government's intentions are being cast, especially after previous resistance to caste-based policies.
Key Takeaways
- Congress raises doubts about the absence of caste in Census notification.
- Two-phase Census planned for October 2026 and March 2027.
- BJP's historical resistance to caste-based policies questioned.
- Importance of data for effective welfare policies emphasized.
- Comparison made with Telangana's caste survey.
New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) Congress leader Pawan Khera voiced new concerns regarding the government's commitment to carrying out caste enumeration alongside the population Census, scheduled to begin on March 1, 2027. He questioned why the official gazette notification for the 16th Census did not include the crucial caste clause.
Khera, in a statement to IANS, expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions regarding the caste survey due to the absence of the term ‘caste’ in the notification.
The Centre released a gazette notification on Monday, outlining a two-phase population Census - the first phase in October 2026 and the second in 2027.
As the Chairman of the Congress' media and publicity department, Khera alleged that the ruling BJP has consistently opposed social justice and fair representation for all communities, including Backward, SCs, and STs, which raises suspicions about their true motives.
He stated, "The primary task is to gather data and perform a comprehensive survey of Backward and marginalized communities. Without accurate data reflecting their economic and social conditions, effective welfare policies cannot be formulated or executed."
Khera further noted, "The BJP government has historically resisted caste-based reservations. It was only after persistent pressure from the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and the Congress party that they consented to caste enumeration alongside the population census. Nevertheless, there remain substantial reasons to question the motives of this administration."
Earlier in the day, the Congress spokesperson contrasted the notification of the Telangana caste survey with that of the Centre, emphasizing that the latter’s documents omitted any mention of a caste census, whereas the state government referenced ‘caste’ three times.
These latest allegations from the Congress leader arrive amidst the Centre's efforts to fact-check rumors circulating on social media regarding the exclusion of caste enumeration from the Census.
The PIB, the government’s primary information agency, dismissed claims that caste enumeration would be excluded from the Census and encouraged the public to disregard unverified online information.
Point of View
It is essential to approach the ongoing debate about caste enumeration with fairness and clarity. The Congress party's concerns reflect broader societal anxieties regarding representation and social justice. As the nation prepares for the Census, ensuring transparency and inclusiveness in such vital processes is crucial.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is caste enumeration?
Caste enumeration refers to the process of collecting data regarding the various castes within the population, aiming to understand their socio-economic status and needs.
When will the Census take place?
The Census is set to begin on March 1, 2027, following a two-phase approach starting with a preliminary phase in October 2026.
Why is there skepticism regarding the government's intentions?
Concerns arise from the absence of the caste clause in the official Census notification, leading to doubts about the government's commitment to ensuring social justice and representation.
How does caste enumeration impact social justice?
By gathering accurate data on caste demographics, the government can formulate targeted welfare policies that address the specific needs of marginalized communities.
What is the Congress party's stance on caste enumeration?
The Congress party advocates for caste enumeration as a means to ensure equitable representation and social justice for all communities, especially Backward, SCs, and STs.
