Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 30: The Central government announced on Wednesday that a caste census will be conducted concurrently with the next national population census. This decision marks a significant shift in the government's stance on the matter.
The decision was formalized during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to the media, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed, “The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration would be included in the forthcoming census.”
This move carries substantial political weight, as the demand for a caste census has been a key electoral promise of the Congress-led INDIA Bloc and has resonated strongly with the public.
Political analysts view this "unexpected" decision by the Centre as a strategic move that could significantly alter social dynamics and influence public sentiment.
Previously, the government had refrained from conducting a caste census, citing concerns that it could exacerbate social divisions. However, the Congress and its allies, including the RJD, have consistently advocated for it, arguing that all social groups should be represented in government in proportion to their population.
By announcing the caste census, the BJP-led government has effectively addressed a major point of contention raised by the Congress and neutralized one of its key political arguments.
The timing of this decision is also significant, coming just before the Assembly elections in Bihar later this year, where caste-based politics plays a dominant role.
In Bihar, political parties ranging from the Congress to regional players like the RJD and the ruling JD-U rely heavily on caste calculations to secure electoral victories.
By integrating the caste census with the national census, the BJP aims to demonstrate its commitment to social justice under the Modi government and potentially expose the Congress and other parties for using the issue for political expediency.