Did the Modi government finally yield to Congress's demand for a caste census?
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Synopsis
On May 2, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) celebrated a decisive moment as the Modi government announced a national caste census. This significant shift came after years of persistent advocacy from Congress leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi. The resolution highlights the urgency of this census to ensure equitable representation and social justice.
Key Takeaways
- Modi government agrees to conduct a caste census after years of resistance.
- Rahul Gandhi has been a key advocate for this demand.
- The caste census aims to ensure equitable representation for marginalized communities.
- Congress reiterates the importance of data-driven policies.
- Telangana's caste survey serves as a benchmark for the national approach.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) The Congress Working Committee (CWC) adopted a resolution on Friday, commending the party's vigorous and unrelenting advocacy for a caste census. It asserted that Rahul Gandhi's repeated call of ‘jitni abaadi, utna haq’ compelled the government led by Prime Minister Modi to declare a national caste count.
According to the CWC resolution, after 11 years of persistent denial, the Modi administration has eventually agreed to the Congress' request for caste-wise population data in the upcoming census.
The resolution highlighted that the Prime Minister has criticized the Congress leadership for a decade regarding this issue, noting numerous instances where party leaders intensified this demand and made it a focal point of their campaigns.
Following the announcement to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census, a competitive atmosphere has emerged among opposition parties, while the government attempts to clarify that this is not a concession.
The resolution also referenced previous instances of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reaching out to PM Modi multiple times, alongside Rahul Gandhi's insistence on the urgency of conducting a caste census in various public settings.
“Rahul Gandhi has consistently been the most vocal advocate for a nationwide caste census. During the 2022 Nav Sankalp Shivir in Udaipur, he underscored the critical need to collect caste data to ensure government policies accurately reflect the realities faced by marginalized communities,” the CWC statement highlighted.
This demand was reiterated at the Congress plenary in Raipur in 2023 and was a significant aspect of the party's manifestos for the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“In Parliament, through speeches nationwide, during two Bharat Jodo Yatras, and most recently at a press conference yesterday, Rahul Gandhi has maintained that a caste census is vital for advancing social justice. He emphasized that policies concerning reservation, welfare, and inclusion cannot rely on outdated assumptions or arbitrary limits but should be founded on factual data,” the resolution further stated.
The CWC, which serves as the highest decision-making body of Congress, also called on the government to consider the Telangana caste survey as a 'model' for the national caste count.
“The CWC believes that the framework used by Telangana offers an inclusive and effective approach that the Government of India should follow,” it noted.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the importance of this decision by the Modi government amidst years of resistance. The commitment to a caste census reflects a growing acknowledgment of the need for data-driven policies that truly represent India's diverse population, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and considered.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the caste census?
The caste census is significant as it provides essential data needed to formulate policies that address the needs and rights of various caste groups, ensuring equitable representation and social justice.
Why did the Congress push for a caste census?
The Congress party has pushed for a caste census to ensure that government policies are informed by accurate data reflecting the realities of marginalized communities, allowing for more effective welfare programs.
How has the Modi government responded to the demand for a caste census?
After years of opposition, the Modi government has finally announced its intention to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, signaling a shift in its stance on this issue.
What role did Rahul Gandhi play in advocating for the caste census?
Rahul Gandhi has been a vocal advocate for the caste census, consistently raising the issue in public forums and emphasizing its importance for social justice and accurate representation.
How does the Telangana caste survey relate to the national census?
The Telangana caste survey is seen as a model for the national census, providing an effective framework for collecting caste data inclusively, as urged by the Congress Working Committee.
