Bengaluru, April 30 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his strong support on Wednesday for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s initiative to execute a caste census. He stated, "We will persist in our advocacy for reservation in the private sector and the elimination of the 50 per cent cap on reservations," underscoring his commitment.

During a media interaction in Bengaluru, Kharge remarked, "Although the decision to conduct the caste census is delayed, it must now be executed efficiently. I urge prompt action to implement the report without any hindrance. The prior budget was inadequate, approximately Rs 750 crore, which appeared to indicate a lack of intent to commence the work swiftly."

"Nevertheless, they have hastily convened a Cabinet meeting and announced the caste census, which is encouraging. We await to see how effectively they carry out this initiative and what results emerge. We anticipate a favorable outcome," Kharge added.

He acknowledged the Central government’s announcement of a caste-based census, deeming it a long-overdue demand of the Opposition and an essential move towards achieving social justice.

In a post on X, Kharge stated, “The Indian National Congress has long championed the need for a caste census, with Rahul Gandhi as a prominent advocate. Today, the Modi government has declared its intention to conduct a caste census alongside the national Census. This is a positive advancement — one we have sought from the outset.”

While engaging with the media, he elaborated that the caste census will assess socio-economic and educational conditions, land ownership, employment, income, and per capita income. "I refrain from assigning blame prematurely. Today marks the announcement's arrival, indicating they have finally recognized the necessity to proceed with this undertaking. We have consistently raised this issue, and the public supports us," Kharge insisted.

"One of our requests has been acknowledged. The other two — reservations in the private sector and abolishing the 50 per cent cap on reservations — will remain our focus. Eventually, they will come to see the merit of implementing these measures," he expressed hope.

Responding to a query, Kharge suggested, "The national survey should mirror the methodology employed by Karnataka and Telangana in their caste surveys. Any deficiencies should be rectified, or necessary enhancements made. This initiative is intended for the benefit of the marginalized and overlooked communities in society."

"I strongly urge the inclusion of these components, and I wholeheartedly endorse this decision," he reiterated.

Further, he claimed: "From the outset, I've been an advocate for this. I wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 16, 2023, reiterating the Indian National Congress's call for an updated caste census. My colleagues and I have persistently raised this topic in both houses of Parliament, as have leaders from various opposition parties."

"You are aware that the UPA government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census in 2011–12, which encompassed around 25 crore households. For various reasons, the caste data was not published, despite demands from Congress and other MPs for its release following the Modi administration's ascension in May 2014," he noted.

"In the absence of a current caste census, a dependable database crucial for effective social justice and empowerment initiatives, particularly for OBCs, is lacking. It is the Union government's duty to conduct this census," he stressed.

"Moreover, I want to highlight that the regular decennial census was overdue in 2021, yet it has not been carried out. We insist that it be executed immediately and that a comprehensive caste census be integrated into it," he stated.

"Now, it is 2025. This indicates that over 2.6 years have elapsed without its execution. Despite repeated reminders, they have overlooked this. This issue was raised in Parliament, but they failed to respond. Our party has made numerous attempts, but they ignored us," Kharge charged.

"Rahul Gandhi Ji, I, and other party leaders initiated demands for three key aspects. First, a caste-based census. Second, the enforcement of Article 15(5) to provide reservations for SC, ST, and OBCs in private institutions. Public sector employment is dwindling as public enterprises are acquired by corporate entities, resulting in diminished job opportunities for SC, ST, and OBCs. Hence, we insisted that Article 15(5) be enacted in the private sector," he clarified.

"Lastly, the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations is imperative. Until this cap is lifted, backward classes will not receive adequate reservations," he asserted.

When queried about Congress aligning with the Centre regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, Kharge stated: "We fully support the government and have unequivocally declared in the all-party meeting that we will unite for our nation’s security. In this regard, there can be no retreat as religion and party affiliations are secondary; the nation comes first.

"I prioritize national interests. To protect our country and its integrity, we offer our unwavering support. We will demonstrate this. If, despite our backing, there are still delays for any reason, it would be regrettable. However, I hope we can stand united in preserving our nation's interests," he concluded.