MA Baby urges govt. for clear caste census plan

New Delhi

CPI-M General Secretary MA Baby on Thursday urged the government to present a clear plan for conducting a caste census and emphasized the need for consultations with political leaders. Speaking at the CPI-M headquarters on Labour Day, Baby noted that the demand for a caste census has been supported by all opposition parties, including CPI-M. He called for a special Parliament session to discuss the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Baby highlighted the government's recent announcement to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, emphasizing the need for transparency. He also pointed out that Prime Minister Modi, who had previously minimized caste distinctions by describing India’s social groups as poor, youth, women, and farmers, is now being compelled to conduct the caste census.

The CPI-M leader recalled the 2016 suicide of Rohit Vemula, a Dalit student, which was allegedly linked to caste-based discrimination, and stressed that caste oppression continues to harm society. He also noted that the last caste census was conducted during the British era in 1930-31, making it vital to assess the current socio-economic status of various caste groups, particularly marginalized communities.

Baby further criticized the government's delay in implementing the caste census and called for the political class to unite against communal forces. He also urged greater political awareness among the working class, which he said is being divided by communal and caste-based agendas.

T’gana CM urges Centre to form ministerial panel for caste census

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy on Thursday suggested the NDA government form a group of ministers and an expert committee to consult stakeholders for the caste census. He praised the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census and offered Telangana’s model as a guide. Reddy emphasized cooperation between state and central governments and proposed that a one-year timeline for the census, based on Telangana’s experience, would be sufficient. He also expressed readiness to share their experiences with the Centre.