Rahul Gandhi Supports Caste Census, Questions Timeline and Methodology

NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed the central government's decision to include a caste-based census in the upcoming population census, announced on Wednesday. However, he emphasized that the government must clarify the timeline and methodology for conducting it. The Modi government, in a cabinet meeting, decided that the caste census would be incorporated in a "transparent" manner in the next census.

Commenting on the decision, Gandhi said, "We had stated in Parliament that we would conduct a caste census and remove the 50 per cent reservation cap. Now that the central government has announced a caste census, we support it. But we also want to know when it will be conducted and what the process will be."

Gandhi remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously referred to only four castes (poor, middle class, rich, and very rich), but understanding the position of communities within these groups requires caste-based data. "A caste census is the first step. We need to go beyond this. It’s unclear why this announcement came after 11 years," he added.

Stressing the need for a clear timeline, Gandhi urged the government to specify a date for the census. He also advised that the government should outline how the caste census will be conducted, suggesting Telangana’s caste survey as a model for a fast, transparent, and inclusive approach.

Reiterating his stance, Gandhi emphasized that the 50 percent constitutional cap on reservations must be lifted based on caste data to ensure equitable representation. Additionally, he advocated for reservations in private institutions, similar to those in public institutions.

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