New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the Congress party urgently requested a meeting with the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India to gain insights into the framework, methodology, and execution of caste-based enumeration for the upcoming Census 2027. This request comes amid concerns regarding what the party described as the Centre's unclear stance on the matter.

In a letter addressed to the Census Commissioner, Anil Jaihind, the Chairman of the OBC Department, sought an appointment to address "vital inquiries regarding the conduct, methodology, and present status of the caste census."

Jaihind emphasized that the Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, has persistently championed the cause of a thorough caste census.

This demand is grounded in constitutional principles, social equity, and the necessity for precise and scientific data to ensure fair representation and focused welfare initiatives for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and other marginalized groups, he noted.

The correspondence highlighted the pivotal role of the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner in orchestrating census activities, emphasizing the need for clear information regarding the government's policy direction and procedural roadmap for including caste-wise enumeration in the national census.

Furthermore, Congress called for detailed explanations regarding the methodological framework, definitional criteria, and data validation processes being contemplated for caste-based data gathering.

The party also inquired about institutional safeguards to guarantee transparency, accuracy, and scientific rigor in enumerating OBCs and other caste factions, along with any administrative, technical, or policy challenges that might be hindering or influencing this endeavor.

"This meeting is crucial not only for our internal readiness but also for empowering us to communicate effectively with the millions of citizens who depend on the Congress Party—and specifically on Rahul Gandhi's leadership—for clarity, reassurance, and guidance on this significant initiative," Jaihind stated.

This request follows a day after Congress General Secretary and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh called for immediate discussions with political entities, state governments, and civil society organizations before finalizing the caste enumeration process.

Ramesh criticized the Centre for executing a "complete U-turn" on the caste census topic, alleging that the government is attempting to dilute or postpone the process.

The Congress party has consistently argued that a comprehensive caste census is vital for evidence-based policymaking and the successful application of social justice measures, cautioning against what it labels as half-hearted efforts or a lack of transparency in the proposed exercise.