In a bid to ensure that all sections of the society are included in welfare schemes and policy frameworks, Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, has urged the central government to immediately initiate the long-delayed decennial Census along with a Caste Census.
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His statement comes in the backdrop of growing concerns about the adequacy of existing welfare schemes and the need for more accurate demographic data to target specific communities effectively.
The Need for a Comprehensive Census
For years, political parties, especially those from backward classes and other marginalized communities, have been calling for a Caste Census to properly assess the socio-economic conditions of different groups in India.
Kharge’s push is seen as an attempt to force the central government’s hand in fulfilling a crucial demand from various regional and social groups, who believe that the lack of accurate caste data has hindered effective implementation of welfare schemes.
Kharge’s request isn’t just limited to a Caste Census; he has also emphasized the importance of completing the general Census as part of the broader data collection process.
The Census, which takes place every decade, provides the most comprehensive demographic data about India’s population, including key information on housing, employment, and migration trends. It serves as a foundation for a wide range of governmental policies and resource allocation.
A Delay That Has Stirred Debate
The decennial Census, which should have been completed in 2021, has faced repeated delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has created widespread uncertainty about when the much-needed demographic data will be available for policy formulation.
Kharge has criticized the delay, pointing out that the government has repeatedly postponed the Census process, which is necessary to implement effective policies for the population.
He particularly expressed concern over the fact that marginalized communities, who often face the brunt of systemic discrimination, may be left out of the benefits of welfare schemes if the government does not have the data to assess their specific needs.
The Importance of Caste-Based Data
Caste-based data has been a contentious issue in Indian politics for years. While some groups demand it as a tool to implement affirmative action programs more effectively, others argue that it could deepen caste divisions.
Kharge’s call for the Caste Census, however, stems from a concern that many backward classes, who are already facing economic and social disadvantages, are not receiving adequate support from the government. By collecting caste-specific data, policymakers can identify and address the needs of these communities more precisely.
The last caste-based survey conducted was in 1931, which has since become outdated. This lack of up-to-date data on caste has led to disputes and difficulties in the allocation of resources for marginalized communities. Kharge believes that this data is crucial for formulating policies that cater specifically to those who are underprivileged in society.
Welfare Schemes and Their Impact
Kharge’s call comes at a time when several state governments, particularly in Karnataka, have been questioning the effectiveness of existing welfare programs. Critics argue that without accurate demographic and caste data, many welfare schemes fail to reach the people who need them the most.
In his statement, Kharge underlined that a comprehensive Census, including a detailed caste analysis, would allow the government to identify disparities and create policies that would better target marginalized communities. This would be particularly helpful for schemes focused on education, employment, and healthcare.
Opposition’s Position on the Issue
Kharge’s appeal has found support among several political parties from the opposition, particularly those representing backward classes, Dalits, and Adivasis.
Many of these parties have long demanded that caste-based data be included in the Census to ensure that the marginalized sections of society benefit from the government’s welfare programs.
Critics of the central government’s handling of the Census, especially those in states like Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, argue that the reluctance to conduct a Caste Census reflects a lack of political will to address the deep-rooted inequalities within Indian society.
Government’s Response and Challenges Ahead
While the opposition is pushing for immediate action, the central government’s stance on the issue remains unclear. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has repeatedly assured the public that the Census will be carried out once the pandemic situation stabilizes.
However, with the economic and political ramifications of delayed data, pressure is mounting on the government to expedite the process.
Moreover, the implementation of a Caste Census could face logistical and political hurdles. Collecting accurate caste data requires extensive groundwork, as many citizens may be reluctant to provide caste information due to its sensitive nature. It is unclear whether the government is prepared for such a large-scale exercise.
Moving Forward – A Critical Step for India’s Future
The debate surrounding the Census, particularly the inclusion of caste data, touches upon broader questions about India’s social fabric. For Kharge and his allies, this is not just an issue of data collection, but one of justice and fairness in the distribution of resources.
Without a clear picture of the population’s caste-based distribution, policymakers may struggle to address the needs of marginalized communities effectively.
As India moves into the next decade, the urgency of obtaining accurate demographic data becomes all the more pressing. Kharge’s call for an immediate start to both the general and Caste Census is not only a demand for better data but also a call for inclusive governance that addresses the realities of a diverse and stratified society.
Final Thoughts
Mallikarjun Kharge’s call for an immediate Caste Census reflects growing concerns about inequality and exclusion in India’s welfare system. By advocating for a comprehensive approach to Census data collection, Kharge is pushing for more equitable policies that address the needs of all communities.
As the government faces increasing pressure from all sides, the completion of both the decennial Census and the Caste Census will be a crucial step in ensuring that no community is left behind in the race for development and opportunity.
By – Nikita
