Modi Cabinet's Major Decision: Caste Census To Be Conducted Along With National Census, Announces Ashwini Vaishnaw
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, after the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meeting, announced that the Centre has decided to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming census exercise.
Congress always opposed the caste census: Ashiwini Vaishnaw
Addressing the media briefing, the Union Minister said, "Congress governments have always opposed caste census. Caste was not included in any census conducted since Independence. In 2010, the then Prime Minister, the late Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered by the Cabinet. A Group of Ministers was formed to examine this issue. Most political parties had recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct only a caste survey rather than a full caste census."
Taking on the Congress party, he said, "This survey is known as the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC). It is evident that Congress and its INDIA alliance partners have used the caste census merely as a political tool. As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the subject of census is listed at Entry 69 in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule. "
"According to the Constitution of India, the census is a Union subject. Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have executed this exercise effectively, others have carried out such surveys purely for political motives in a non-transparent manner," he added.
Caste census will strengthen the social and economic framework of our society
"These surveys have created doubts in society. Considering all these factors, and to ensure that our social fabric remains undisturbed by political manipulation, caste enumeration should be transparently included in the census rather than through separate surveys. This will strengthen the social and economic framework of our society while the nation continues to progress," Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised.
Announcing the government's decision, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has today decided that caste enumeration will be included in the forthcoming census. This decision demonstrates the government's commitment to the values and interests of society and the nation."
"Just as in the past, when the government introduced 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) without causing distress to any section of society, this decision too reflects a balanced and inclusive approach," he added.
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