'Your govt stands at a historic crossroads': Tejashwi Yadav to PM Modi on caste census move

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tejashwi, who is the Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, advocated the usage of the caste census for ensuring equality and "as a catalyst for systemic reforms".

Tejashwi writes, "Prime Minister, your government now stands at a historic crossroads. The decision to conduct the caste census can be a transformative moment in our nation's journey towards equality. The question is: will the data be used as a catalyst for systemic reforms, or will it be confined to dusty archives like many previous commission reports?"

"As Bihar’s representative, where the caste survey opened many eyes to ground realities, I assure you of constructive cooperation in utilizing the census findings for genuine social transformation. The millions who have struggled for this census await not just data but dignity, not just enumeration but empowerment."

Like his political ally Congress, the opposition leader, who will lock horns with Modi's BJP in Bihar elections later this year, has proposed the reconsideration of the "arbitrary cap on reservations".

"... conducting the caste census is merely the first step of the long journey towards social justice. The census data must lead to a comprehensive review of social protection and reservation policies. The arbitrary cap on reservations will also have to be reconsidered. As a country, we also have a critical opportunity to correct enduring injustices in the upcoming delimitation exercise.

"The redrawing of constituencies should be sensitive to and reflective of the census data. Special provisions must be made for adequate political representation of OBCs and EBCs who have been systematically excluded from decision-making forums. Hence, they will need to be expanded based on the proportional representation principle in state assemblies and the parliament of India," Tejashwi said.

Days ago, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi welcomed the central government's decision to introduce caste census in the next year's population census but demanded a clear timeline for implementation.

Addressing a press conference, Rahul said, "We've been advocating for a caste census for some time. The Modi government had previously opposed it, citing reasons we're unclear about. Now, they've suddenly decided to move forward. We wholeheartedly welcome this decision but demand a clear implementation timeline."

Further demanding the removal of 50 percent cap on quota, the opposition leader said, "Telangana serves as a model state for caste census. Having successfully conducted a comprehensive caste census in Telangana, we suggest the national census incorporate some of its effective approaches.

"We've discussed two other key issues. Firstly, the 50% cap on reservations, which is increasingly becoming an impediment to development, progress and the advancement of backward castes, Dalits, and Adivasis. We advocate for eliminating this barrier. Having successfully pressured the government to conduct a caste census, we'll continue to push for removing the 50 percent cap."

"Additionally, we demand the implementation of Article 15(5), which pertains to reservations in private educational institutions—a law that already exists. We urge the government to implement it promptly."

In a surprise move, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earlier this week announced the caste census, which has been a long-standing demand of the Congress, in the upcoming population census, months ahead of the crucial Bihar assembly elections.

"This demonstrates that the present government is committed to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society," the Indian government said in a statement.

As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.

While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society.

"Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey," the statement said.

The India government said the move will ensure that society becomes stronger economically and socially, and the country’s progress continues without hindrance.

"It is noteworthy that when a provision of 10 percent reservation was made for the economically weaker sections of society, it did not create tension in any section of society," the statement said.

Caste was excluded from all census operations conducted since independence.