Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Writes to PM Modi on Caste Census

Chennai: Chief Minister M K Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene and integrate caste census with the upcoming national decadal census and make the initiative a monumental step to take the benefits of development to the most vulnerable sections, thus building a stronger, more inclusive India.

In a letter to the Prime Minister on Saturday, Stalin, stressing on the need for a comprehensive caste survey in the country, said: ‘Considering the fact that the previous census due in 2021 could not be conducted and the crucial caste related data outcomes would touch the lives of crores of deserving people in our country, it should not be delayed any further.’

Pointing out that no contemporary data was available since the last caste census was conducted in 1931, he said census data had always provided the bedrock for framing policies and targeting specific interventions for the socio-economic development of the underprivileged.

‘Since caste has historically been a key determinant of the prospects of social progress in our society, it is essential that factual data on it is made available in public domain. Only this can empower various stakeholders and policymakers to analyze the impact of our past programs and plan the strategies for the future,’ he said.

Though the demographic and socio-economic landscape of the country had undergone many changes in the last 90 years, the underprivileged sections continued to remain backward in spite of numerous past policy actions, he said, adding: ‘it is vital that contemporary data derived from a common standard process at the national level is cumulated to address all the pressing issues related to social justice, equity and inclusivity.’

While some State Governments like Bihar had conducted caste-based surveys and some others had announced such steps, these state specific initiatives lacked the advantage of a nationwide comparability of inputs and processes even if their data outcomes were very useful in providing insights into our society and its needs, Stalin said.

‘In addition, they lack the statutory stamp without a legislative backing for such data collection since 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 said.

Integrating the caste census with the national decadal census alone could provide a comprehensive and reliable data on the caste composition of our society and its reflection on the socio-economic indicators and it should be undertaken to enable evidence-based policymaking, helping all to ensure an equitable and inclusive development, he said.