Following the footsteps of Bihar, the Rajasthan government on Saturday issued orders for conducting a comprehensive caste survey within the state, as per news agency PTI. This decision comes shortly after Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s announcement that the state would undertake a caste census similar to Bihar’s, which was released by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government. The order, issued by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, followed an approval for the same by the state cabinet.
The objective of this survey is to gather essential data pertaining to the social, economic, and educational status of all citizens within the state, utilising the resources at the disposal of the Rajasthan government. The Department of Planning (Economic and Statistics) has been designated as the nodal department to oversee this initiative, as per PTI.
Earlier in the day, CM Gehlot, speaking to the media in Jaipur after a meeting, underscored the importance of this initiative, linking it to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s proposal during the Raipur session. Gehlot asserted that the caste census in Rajasthan would be carried out based on the same principles outlined in Bihar.
“Congress leader Rahul Gandhi introduced the concept of a caste census during the Raipur session of Congress, and we will implement it here accordingly. The Rajasthan government will also conduct a caste census similar to Bihar. Our aim is to ensure the participation of people according to their population. Detailed instructions will be issued for conducting this caste-based census in line with Bihar,” stated CM Gehlot.
#WATCH | Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot says, “Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had made the caste census system in the Raipur session of Congress, and we will do it here on the basis of the same…Rajasthan government will also conduct a caste census like Bihar. We will take the concept… pic.twitter.com/LZqUraBhg9
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) October 6, 2023
The Bihar government released the results of its caste-based survey on October 2, a move supported by the Congress, which is an ally in Bihar’s ruling coalition.
Emphasising the importance of a caste-based census, Gehlot explained, “For effective social security measures, we must understand the caste-wise demographic realities. Our country is home to diverse castes engaged in various occupations. By knowing the population of each caste, we can tailor specific policies and schemes to address their needs.”
The Supreme Court, on Friday, declined to restrain the Bihar government from disclosing the caste survey data, reiterating that it cannot obstruct a government from taking such a policy decision.
Congress Makes Caste Survey Its Key Focus Point For State Polls In Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh
This move by the Rajasthan government aligns with a broader trend within the Congress party. On Friday, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra affirmed that if the Congress is re-elected in Chhattisgarh, a caste census will be conducted in the state, mirroring Bihar’s endeavor.
Similarly, the Congress’ central election committee (CEC), in its Saturday deliberations, discussed potential candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. Additionally, the party underscored that one of its primary objectives in the state would be to pursue a comprehensive caste survey.
Senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala informed that the issue of caste survey was discussed at the CEC meeting. “We have decided that (conducting) a caste census in Madhya Pradesh will be our main agenda,” Surjewala told reporters, as quoted by PTI.
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