Bengaluru: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, has stated that the authority to conduct a caste census lies solely with the central government of India, not individual state governments.
He emphasized the existence of the Census Commission, a central body responsible for this crucial national task. While acknowledging that some states have previously undertaken caste censuses,
Athawale affirmed that the upcoming population census conducted by the central government will comprehensively address all relevant issues, including caste demographics. This decision by the NDA government, under Prime Minister Modi, aims to ensure social justice for all communities across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Athawale highlighted the current lack of official data regarding the population distribution of various castes within the backward classes nationwide.
He explained that his earlier advocacy for a backward classes census stemmed from this very need for accurate information.
Addressing the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who has also called for a caste census, Athawale urged his cooperation now that the central government is moving forward with its comprehensive census plan.
Referencing the Kaka Kalelkar Commission report, which estimated that 52% of the country falls under the backward classes, Athawale expressed confidence that the integrated population and caste census will provide accurate statistics for every community, enabling more effective and targeted social programs.
