TN Assembly urges Centre to conduct caste-wise census.
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to take up a caste-based census soon.
The resolution, piloted by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, emphasized the need for the central government to immediately commence the census work, which has been due since 2021. Alongside the regular census, the resolution specifically called for the inclusion of a caste-based population census.
The Assembly argued that understanding the demographic distribution of various castes would enable more effective policy-making and better resource allocation to uplift marginalized communities.
The resolution reflects the long-standing demand for more granular data on India’s diverse population. Proponents argue that such data is crucial for addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all sections of society benefit from governmental schemes and initiatives. By highlighting disparities in access to education, economic opportunities, and employment, a caste-based census could help in tailoring policies that promote social justice and inclusion.
Chief Minister Stalin’s push for this resolution underscores the state’s commitment to social equity and its proactive stance in advocating for comprehensive data collection. The call for a caste-based census is seen as a step towards more informed governance, aiming to bridge gaps and create a more equitable society for all citizens.
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to take up a caste-based census soon. The resolution, piloted by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, emphasized the need for the central government to immediately commence the census work, which has been due since 2021. Alongside the regular census, the resolution specifically called for the inclusion of a caste-based population census.
The resolution stated. The Assembly argued that understanding the demographic distribution of various castes would enable more effective policy-making and better resource allocation to uplift marginalized communities.
The resolution reflects the long-standing demand for more granular data on India’s diverse population. Proponents argue that such data is crucial for addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all sections of society benefit from governmental schemes and initiatives. By highlighting disparities in access to education, economic opportunities, and employment, a caste-based census could help in tailoring policies that promote social justice and inclusion.
Chief Minister Stalin’s push for this resolution underscores the state’s commitment to social equity and its proactive stance in advocating for comprehensive data collection. The call for a caste-based census is seen as a step towards more informed governance, aiming to bridge gaps and create a more equitable society for all citizens.
This broad-based support highlighted a consensus across the political spectrum about the importance of such a census. However, the principal Opposition AIADMK members were notably absent during the adoption of the resolution, as they were suspended from the Assembly for disrupting the proceedings earlier in the session. Despite their absence, the resolution’s passage was smooth and unopposed.
Speaker M. Appavu confirmed that the resolution was adopted unanimously. This unanimity is significant, given the diverse political landscape of Tamil Nadu. It reflects a shared recognition among the state’s legislators of the need for detailed caste-based data to inform and improve policy-making processes.
The call for a caste-based census is not new but has gained renewed urgency in recent years. Many social scientists, policymakers, and activists have long argued that such a census would provide critical insights into the socio-economic status of various communities. This data could then be used to design targeted interventions to reduce inequalities and promote social justice.
In the context of Tamil Nadu, where caste dynamics play a crucial role in social and political life, the resolution by the Assembly is a strong statement of intent. It signals the state’s commitment to addressing caste-based disparities and ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities.
By advocating for a caste-based census, Tamil Nadu is setting an example for other states to follow. The resolution’s unanimous passage underscores the importance of data-driven governance and the need to base policy decisions on accurate and comprehensive demographic information. As the state waits for the Centre’s response, the resolution has already set the stage for a broader national conversation on the necessity and benefits of a caste-based census in India.