Who Deserves Credit for the Caste Census Decision?
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Synopsis
Bihar's Water Resource Minister Vijay Chaudhary attributes the credit for the central government's caste census decision directly to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The ongoing debate highlights various political stances while emphasizing the need for actionable change beyond data collection.
Key Takeaways
- Nitish Kumar is credited with advocating for the caste census.
- The Bihar government seeks constitutional support for increased reservations.
- Data collection must lead to actionable change for societal improvement.
- Political leaders have mixed responses regarding the census initiative.
- Effective policy-making is crucial for addressing socio-economic disparities.
Patna, April 30 (NationPress) Bihar's Water Resource Minister Vijay Chaudhary stated on Wednesday that the credit for the Central government's decision regarding the caste census belongs to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
“This initiative is rooted in the efforts of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has persistently advocated for this issue when others were reluctant. The acknowledgment must go to him as he was the first to voice this demand. While Congress and Mamata Banerjee opposed it within the INDIA Bloc, Nitish Kumar elevated it to a national concern,” Chaudhary asserted.
He further stated that the Bihar Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Yadav had not previously addressed the caste census topic. “Now he is claiming victory. Moreover, Congress, after initially opposing the concept, seeks to take credit as well. Even Rahul Gandhi’s position is unclear,” he remarked.
Chaudhary also highlighted Bihar's proactive efforts in advocating for constitutional backing. “The Bihar government has fought for enhanced reservation and even submitted a proposal for its inclusion in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. We are currently pursuing this matter in the Supreme Court to safeguard this policy,” he elaborated.
Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor stressed that simply gathering caste data is insufficient.
“A census alone won’t transform the nation. Genuine progress occurs only when governments take action based on their findings,” Kishor stated.
Commenting on Bihar’s caste census, he observed: “It was claimed that impoverished families would receive Rs 2 lakh for employment. How many have actually received it? Purchasing a book does not make one a scholar; one must engage with it.”
Nitish Kumar welcomed the Centre’s decision, reaffirming that this long-standing demand will aid in the creation of improved policies.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the multifaceted perspectives surrounding the caste census debate. While credit is often sought by various political factions, the core issue remains the effective implementation of policies that emerge from this data collection. It is crucial for the government to ensure that the outcomes of the census translate into tangible benefits for society.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the caste census about?
The caste census aims to collect data on the caste composition of India's population to inform policy-making and resource allocation.
Who is credited with the caste census initiative in Bihar?
Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is credited with advocating for the caste census, as stated by Water Resource Minister Vijay Chaudhary.
What are the implications of the caste census?
The implications of the caste census include better-informed policies, increased reservations, and addressing the socio-economic disparities within the population.
What has been the response from other political leaders?
Responses vary, with some leaders, like Tejashwi Yadav, claiming victory, while others like Congress leaders have shifted their stance after initially opposing it.
Why is data collection alone insufficient?
Data collection is just the first step; true change requires actionable policies based on the findings to address the needs of the population effectively.
