The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a caste enumeration exercise along with the national census. This decision aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the social fabric and ensure that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the government's decision, highlighting its commitment to social justice. He criticized the Congress party for their past stance on caste-based reservation, citing Jawaharlal Nehru's opposition to it. Pradhan also mentioned that Rajiv Gandhi had opposed OBC reservation.
The decision to conduct a caste census was announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday. The exercise will be conducted along with the national census, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government aims to ensure that the social fabric does not come under political pressure.
The caste census decision is seen as a significant step towards ensuring social justice and providing benefits to backward sections of society. The government has given constitutional status to the OBC commission, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development.