Integrate caste, decadal census: Stalin to Modi

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to integrate the caste census with the upcoming national decadal census.

When implemented, the initiative would be a monumental step to take development benefits to the most vulnerable sections and build a stronger, more inclusive India, Stalin said, writing to Modi.

Requesting Modi’s personal intervention on the matter, he said integrating the caste census with the proposed national decadal census alone could provide comprehensive and reliable data on the caste composition of society and its reflection in socio-economic indicators.

“This will enable evidence-based policymaking, helping all of us to ensure equitable and inclusive development. Undertaking this task concurrently with the decadal census would not only ensure comparability of data across the nation but also optimise resource utilisation,” Stalin said.

“Hence, the union government should immediately plan and commence preparations for a comprehensive, nationwide caste census,” the CM said in his letter dated October 20, 2023.

The census which was due in 2021 could not be conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stalin said crucial caste-related data outcomes would touch the lives of crores of deserving people and therefore the census should not be delayed any further.

Some State governments such as Bihar have successfully conducted caste-based surveys while others have announced that they would take steps to initiate the process.

Although such state-specific initiatives and their data outcomes are beneficial in providing insights, they lack the advantage of nationwide comparability of inputs and processes, Stalin said.

“In addition, they lack the statutory stamp without a legislative backing for such data collection since the census as a subject is in the union list. Hence, we are of the considered view that only a statutory census of India, with critical caste-related data inputs, would be able to provide an appropriate platform for upholding social justice,” he explained.

"Since caste has historically been a key determinant of the prospects of social progress in Indian society, it is essential that factual data on it is made available in the public domain. Only this can empower various stakeholders and policymakers," the CM added.