The Indian National Congress has renewed its call for a nationwide caste census, challenging the Central Government’s intent and approach on the issue. As discussions around social justice and equitable representation gain momentum, the Congress party has intensified its demand for comprehensive data on caste demographics across India.
During recent press interactions and public meetings, senior Congress leaders expressed concern over what they described as the government’s hesitation in addressing the issue transparently. They argued that the lack of updated caste data significantly hinders the government’s ability to formulate inclusive welfare policies, particularly for backward and marginalized communities.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders have criticized the Centre for not making progress on conducting a caste census, despite repeated requests and growing support for the move among various state governments and civil society groups. Kharge stated that “a caste census is not just a political demand but a democratic necessity,” emphasizing the need for accurate data to shape policies aimed at social upliftment.
The issue has taken center stage in national discourse, especially after states like Bihar and Odisha began pushing for state-level caste surveys. Congress-ruled states have also shown interest in implementing similar measures independently, underlining the party's commitment to social justice.
Congress leaders argue that the last caste-based data collected was during the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) in 2011, which was never fully published. They allege that the current government is deliberately delaying the release of updated data to avoid addressing uncomfortable realities regarding caste-based disparities in access to education, employment, and social welfare schemes.
In a recent statement, Rahul Gandhi said, “The caste census is a tool for justice. Without knowing the actual social structure of the country, any welfare scheme cannot be truly inclusive.” He also added that the party would make caste census a key point in its political manifesto and public agenda.
Meanwhile, the central government has maintained that such a census may lead to administrative challenges and potential social unrest if not handled sensitively. However, critics claim that this reasoning is insufficient in a democratic setup where transparency and representation are foundational.
The Congress party has also linked the caste census demand with the broader objective of ensuring proper implementation of reservation policies and affirmative action. According to them, social justice policies should be grounded in reliable demographic data, not assumptions or outdated figures.
As public debate around caste census continues, this issue is likely to feature prominently in upcoming legislative discussions and elections. Congress has indicated that it will continue to raise the matter in Parliament and through public campaigns until a clear response from the Centre is received.
By positioning itself as a vocal advocate for socially marginalized communities, the Congress party is aiming to reestablish its connect with backward classes and reinforce its traditional support base.
