Renowned Congress MP Manickam Tagore has voiced strong approval for the Central government’s pledge to undertake a caste census, terming it ‘long overdue and transformative.’ His comments reflect growing consensus on the urgency of granular social data.
In detailed remarks, Tagore outlined the benefits: precise targeting of schemes, fairer reservations, and evidence-based affirmative action. ‘This will silence doubters and deliver real empowerment,’ he asserted, rallying support from party ranks.
The policy U-turn follows relentless pressure from opposition and civil society. While the BJP-led government had resisted earlier, mounting demands—fueled by state-level surveys—prompted the shift. Timing aligns with post-pandemic recovery priorities.
Technical preparations are underway, with focus on hybrid digital-traditional methods to capture over 1.4 billion profiles. Lessons from 2011 will inform exclusions and inclusions, ensuring robustness.
Politically, this could reshape alliances. Backward caste voters, pivotal in heartland states, stand to gain visibility. Congress sees it as partial credit for their agitation, with Tagore bridging the narrative gap.
Challenges persist: enumerator training, inter-caste sensitivities, and post-data politics. Tagore called for an all-party panel to oversee neutrality.
Looking ahead, this census heralds an era of accountable governance. Tagore’s endorsement marks a constructive opposition stance, potentially paving the way for collaborative reforms in India’s diverse democracy.