Patna, April 30: RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday welcomed the Union Cabinet’s landmark decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, calling it a major step toward social justice and a long-pending demand of the socialist movement led by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav.
“This is not just a political decision—it's a victory for all socialists and Lalu Yadav. We have been demanding this for over 30 years,” Tejashwi told . He recalled that although a caste census was approved by the Cabinet as early as 1996-97, it was never implemented due to opposition from then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He noted that several parties from Bihar had recently appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a caste-based census. “Initially, the Prime Minister and several ministers rejected the idea. But our persistent efforts have forced the government to accept our agenda,” Tejashwi said.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the decision, stating that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), led by PM Modi, has approved caste enumeration in the next census. “This move will strengthen the social and economic fabric of our country,” he said.
Vaishnaw also highlighted the Modi government’s introduction of a 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) as a precedent for inclusive policy-making that does not disrupt existing social balances.
The Congress, too, has been vocal in its demand for a caste census, reiterating the need in various public forums over the years.( With Agency Input)
