Jodhpur (Rajasthan), May 3 (ANI): Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has voiced strong support for the central government’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming population census, stating it is necessary to assess the nation’s developmental trajectory and societal changes since independence.
In a statement to ANI, Shekhawat welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move, emphasizing its potential to uplift marginalized communities. “Caste census was necessary to review the development and changes in the country post-independence. This will be for the benefit of the poor and unprivileged and will provide equal opportunities for the backward classes… I welcome this decision by the Prime Minister,” he said.
Shekhawat’s remarks come amid growing political consensus on the need for comprehensive caste-based data to formulate inclusive policies.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha also underscored the significance of the caste census, calling it a vital first step toward realizing social justice. Jha advocated for expanding reservation policies and enhancing political representation for backward communities.
“Caste census was being demanded for a long time… As the Leader of Opposition said, this is just the first step. After that, there are many other things, like the scope of reservation should increase, there should be provision of reservation in the private sector, there should be adequate representation of these classes by redistributing the seats in Parliament and State Assembly,” Jha told reporters.
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet formally approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the forthcoming census.
Briefing the press, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that while several states had undertaken caste surveys independently, conducting an official census falls under the jurisdiction of the central government.
“Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since independence. In 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singhji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most political parties recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct only a survey of caste instead of a census. That survey is known as SECC,” Vaishnaw said.
He added that the Modi government had earlier implemented ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) without impacting other categories, showcasing its commitment to balanced social policies.
The Congress party has long called for a caste census, with party leaders frequently reiterating the demand during public speeches and election campaigns.
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