Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has emphasized the need to include caste enumeration as part of the national census, rather than relying solely on state-level surveys. Speaking on the issue, he highlighted how the Congress governments have historically resisted such moves, despite widespread demand.
“In 2010, then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said the issue of caste census should be taken to the Cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to look into it. Most political parties supported the idea, but despite that, the Congress-led government settled for a caste survey instead of a proper census,” Vaishnaw said.
He criticized the INDI alliance and the Congress party for allegedly using the caste issue as a political instrument. “Some states have conducted caste surveys—some have done it in a structured way, while others have used it for political gains without transparency. This has created confusion and mistrust in society,” he said.
The Union Minister called for a unified, transparent approach, adding, “To protect our social fabric from political misuse and ensure trust in the process, caste enumeration should be formally included in the national census.”
