New Delhi, 09-03-2024: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, reiterated his party’s commitment to conducting a caste census if it assumes power, emphasizing that this crucial step, alongside economic mapping, would dismantle the existing 50 percent cap on the reservation.
In a social media post in Hindi, Gandhi emphasized the significance of counting, labeling it as the initial stride towards achieving justice. He raised poignant questions about poverty and its prevalence, urging for a comprehensive understanding of the impoverished populace’s demographics and conditions.
Highlighting insights from a caste survey conducted in Bihar, Gandhi noted that a significant portion, approximately 88 percent, of the impoverished population belonged to Dalit, tribal, backward, and minority communities. He underscored the need for a nationwide endeavor to grasp the true extent of poverty and its ramifications.
Proposing two landmark initiatives—a caste census and economic mapping—Gandhi envisioned transcending the current reservation limit to ensure accurate representation and rights allocation. This endeavor, he argued, would serve as an X-ray of the nation, facilitating equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Additionally, Gandhi outlined the transformative potential of these measures in crafting policies tailored to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the impoverished, spanning education, livelihoods, and healthcare. He urged citizens to advocate for their right to a caste census, asserting its role in navigating them out of the shadows of adversity towards progress.
Echoing Gandhi’s sentiments, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized the holistic benefits of a comprehensive socio-economic caste census. Such an initiative, he explained, would furnish invaluable insights into various facets of society, shedding light on economic disparities and social structures.
Ramesh highlighted the utility of caste-based data in governance, citing its utilization in identifying beneficiaries for welfare schemes like MNREGA and food security programs. He lamented the Modi government’s reluctance to publish the caste data from the previous socio-economic caste census, underscoring its significance in informed policymaking and inclusive governance.
Ultimately, both Gandhi and Ramesh emphasized the indispensable role of a socio-economic caste census in fostering better governance, equitable development, and social harmony. They underscored the imperative of understanding the dynamics of development to ensure that progress is inclusive and just for all segments of society.