In a significant political development, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has publicly welcomed the Central government’s decision to conduct a caste-based census. This move marks a pivotal shift in India’s data collection policies, potentially reshaping social justice frameworks across the nation.
Tagore, a prominent voice from the Congress party, expressed his support during a recent statement, highlighting the long-standing demand for comprehensive caste data to address inequalities. ‘This is a historic step that will empower marginalized communities,’ he remarked, underscoring the need for accurate demographic insights.
The decision comes amid intense political debates, with opposition parties like Congress pushing for it for years. Proponents argue that a caste census will enable better-targeted welfare schemes, reservation policies, and resource allocation. Critics, however, worry about its potential to deepen social divisions.
Historically, India’s last comprehensive caste census was in 1931 under British rule. Post-independence, only the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census provided partial data, which remained largely unused. The government’s fresh commitment revives hopes for updated statistics in the upcoming national census, delayed due to the pandemic.
Tagore’s endorsement reflects broader Congress sentiments, aligning with party leaders like Rahul Gandhi who have championed the cause. As implementation details emerge, stakeholders from various castes and communities are closely watching, anticipating impacts on electoral politics and policy-making.
This development could set the stage for renewed discussions on affirmative action, with experts predicting a data-driven overhaul of India’s affirmative action landscape. While challenges like methodology and privacy concerns loom, Tagore’s welcome signals a rare bipartisan nod to a contentious issue.