Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh Announce Caste Census Ahead of Elections

In a move to better understand the demographics and address the needs of their diverse populations, the states of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have decided to conduct caste-based surveys. These surveys, inspired by a similar initiative undertaken in Bihar, aim to provide comprehensive data on the caste composition of the states, which will help in the formulation of targeted policies and development programs.

Rajasthan’s Caste Census

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot recently confirmed the decision to carry out a caste survey in the state during a core committee meeting of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC). This announcement comes as the state gears up for Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for later this year.

CM Gehlot explained that the caste survey would follow the model implemented in Bihar. He emphasized the importance of understanding the demographic composition of Rajasthan, which comprises a diverse population with various castes and religions. By obtaining accurate data on caste demographics, the government can tailor its policies and development schemes to cater to the specific needs of different communities.

Gehlot also highlighted the alignment of this initiative with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s vision of proportional participation and representation based on population statistics. He expressed his commitment to fulfilling the party’s mandate and declared the campaign to conduct the caste survey in Rajasthan officially underway.

The caste survey in Rajasthan is expected to shed light on the distribution of different caste groups within the state, helping policymakers make informed decisions for the welfare and development of all communities.

Chhattisgarh Follows Suit

Chhattisgarh, another state ruled by the Congress party, has also pledged to conduct a caste census if reelected in the upcoming Assembly elections. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra announced this commitment during a public event in Kanker, echoing the approach taken in Bihar.

Priyanka Gandhi emphasized the importance of the caste census, stating that it is integral to the development of socially oppressed sections of society. Her announcement was met with enthusiasm within the party, as Congress MP Manickam Tagore described it as a significant step towards social equity and development.

A Wider Call for Caste-Based Census

The trend of conducting caste-based surveys is gaining momentum, with Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav advocating for such surveys to be conducted in every state. He believes that having comprehensive data on caste demographics is essential for the formulation of policies that can address the specific needs of various communities.

Tejashwi Yadav also called upon the central government to consider conducting caste-based surveys on a national scale. He argued that such data would be invaluable for policymaking at the national level.

In Bihar, the caste-based survey, conducted by the Nitish Kumar-led Mahagathbandhan government, was recently released. The survey’s findings are expected to inform the state’s development policies and initiatives.

As Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh embark on their respective caste surveys, the spotlight remains on the potential benefits of such initiatives, including more equitable development, targeted welfare programs, and a deeper understanding of the diverse social fabric of these states.