The Congress Working Committee has backed the demand for a caste census in India, calling it a “matter of shame” that the country has not yet conducted such a census. The party accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of not releasing the data of the 2011 Socio Economic and Caste Census and failing to conduct a fresh census. The Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party, issued a resolution stating that the government has “failed in its Constitutional duty” by delaying the decadal Census that should have been conducted in 2021 or soon after.
According to sources, the initiative for a caste census came from Rahul Gandhi, who stated that the INDIA bloc will put pressure on the BJP to conduct it. Gandhi emphasized that the conduction of a caste census does not rely on the Prime Minister and called it a decision for justice towards the marginalized sections of society. Sonia Gandhi, the former head of the party, expressed her full support for a caste census.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the current Congress chief, highlighted that the party has consistently demanded a nationwide caste-based census. He stressed the importance of having scientific socio-economic data on marginalized sections for the implementation of government programs and welfare schemes. The demand for a caste census gained public support after the Bihar Government released its caste survey.
The Congress’s call for a caste census comes as the Election Commission announced the dates for elections in five states, including Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, where caste-based politics play a significant role. The Congress, which had previously held back the 2011 caste report, has recently been vocal about the importance of a caste census, stating that it is crucial for effective social welfare schemes.
In April, Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting the implementation of a caste census. He explained that having accurate data on caste demographics would aid the government in implementing welfare and social security programs more effectively.