The demand for a nationwide caste census in India, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is generating political controversy. While Gandhi argues it will address inequities by providing essential demographic data, BJP leaders criticize it as a “divisive” tactic. Former CJI U.U. Lalit supports the census, emphasizing its potential to enhance equitable policymaking.
New Delhi: The demand for a nationwide caste census has become a significant point of contention in India’s political landscape, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leading the charge. While he emphasizes the need for such a census to address systemic inequalities, BJP leaders have criticized the move, calling it a “divisive” tactic.
The debate has further intensified with former Chief Justice of India (CJI) U.U. Lalit endorsing the idea as “brilliant,” highlighting its potential to shape policymaking for the betterment of society.
Rahul Gandhi’s Push for a Caste Census
Rahul Gandhi has been vocally advocating for a caste census, asserting that “90% of India’s population is not a part of the system.” He argues that the absence of accurate data on caste demographics has led to inequities in access to opportunities and resources.
“Ninety per cent of people are sitting outside the system, they have skills and knowledge but they don’t have access (to the top). This is why we have raised the demand for caste-based institutional census,”
said Gandhi.
For the Congress party, the caste census is not just about enumeration but a foundational tool for policymaking. Gandhi elaborated,
“Just conducting a caste census is not enough. It is also important to understand how the wealth is being distributed… It is also important to find out how much is the participation of OBCs, Dalits, workers in the bureaucracy, judiciary, media.”
The Congress has included the caste census in its election manifesto, promising to enumerate castes and sub-castes along with their socio-economic conditions. Gandhi also highlighted that a caste census would aid in formulating policies that ensure equitable distribution of wealth and representation in key institutions.
Former Chief Justice of India U.U. Lalit’s Endorsement
Former CJI U.U. Lalit added weight to the debate by describing the caste census as a “brilliant idea.” Speaking to Times Network Group Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar, he noted that the last nationwide caste census was conducted in 1932 under the Hutton Commission.
“Right from 1932, there hasn’t been a census undertaken for the entire country. The last attempt was made in Bihar just about two years back,”
Lalit said, referring to the state’s recent efforts. He pointed out that current population data relies on outdated percentages from 1932, which are extrapolated to today’s demographics.
Lalit emphasized that a caste census would provide a clear picture of communities requiring affirmative action and allow policymakers to target welfare programs more effectively. He also highlighted the success of reservation policies in uplifting certain communities, stating,
“You accept one fact that at least certain communities have advanced as a result of the benefit of reservation or affirmative action. And that’s where the success lies.”
RSS and BJP’s Response
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), often seen as the ideological guide for the BJP, acknowledged that a caste census could be a useful tool for welfare programs but cautioned against its misuse for political purposes.
The BJP, on the other hand, has taken a cautious stance. The party accuses the Opposition of using the caste census demand as a strategy to fragment Hindu society, a unity the BJP has been striving to build. Since the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has refrained from openly addressing the issue, maintaining a neutral yet critical approach.
The BJP’s stance reflects its focus on unifying voters across caste lines, a strategy that has been central to its political success. Leaders within the party argue that a caste census could undermine this effort by deepening caste-based divisions.
Broader Implications of a Caste Census
The call for a caste census has sparked a national debate about its implications for Indian society and politics. Supporters believe it is essential for identifying marginalized communities and ensuring that government policies address their needs.
Critics, however, warn that such a census could deepen caste divisions and be used for political gains. They argue that the focus should be on economic upliftment and broader social integration rather than caste-based enumeration.
Why the Debate Matters
At the heart of this debate lies the issue of representation and equity. India’s reservation system, which provides affirmative action for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, is based on caste data that is nearly a century old. Without updated data, policymakers risk perpetuating outdated assumptions about caste demographics and their socio-economic conditions.
The demand for a caste census also ties into larger questions about wealth distribution and representation in key institutions. As Gandhi pointed out, understanding who holds wealth and power is critical to addressing systemic inequalities.
The Way Forward
As the debate continues, the need for a balanced approach becomes evident. While a caste census could provide valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of various communities, it is crucial to ensure that the data is used constructively. Misuse of the census for political gains or to deepen societal divides could undermine its potential benefits.
For now, the political divide over the caste census reflects larger ideological differences between India’s leading parties. While the Congress views it as a tool for empowerment and equity, the BJP remains wary of its divisive potential.
Ultimately, the decision to conduct a caste census will depend on public demand and political will. As former CJI Lalit aptly put it, “We need to identify… and that’s where the success lies.” Whether or not India takes up this challenge remains to be seen, but the debate has undoubtedly reignited discussions about the country’s approach to social justice and representation.
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