Caste Census: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) clarified on Thursday that while it does not oppose caste surveys, they should be used to further societal advancement. The group added that politics shouldn’t be involved.
RSS Functionary Shridhar Gadge’s Stand
This occurs in the days following the opposition to the census on December 19 by RSS functionary Shridhar Gadge, who stated that while the caste census may help some people politically by providing information about the population of a particular caste, it would not be desirable socially or in terms of maintaining national unity.
Emphasis on Caste Census Caution
Recently, the RSS issued a new statement that was made public by its publicity head, Sunil Ambekar. In it, the organisation said that when conducting the caste census, care should be taken to avoid causing division. According to the statement, the organisation is constantly working to create a Hindu society that is built on harmony and social justice and free from prejudice and inequality.
Initiating a New Conversation
According to the statement, a new conversation about the caste-based census has begun, “We are of the opinion that it should be used for the overall development of society and while doing it, all the parties should ensure that social harmony and unity are not broken for any reason.” Ambekar stated that it was true that many segments of society continued to lag behind in terms of economics, social development, and education due to a variety of historical factors. The development and empowerment of these sections have been the subject of various government initiatives, he said, and the RSS is fully in favour of these policies.
Caste Census Demand Takes Center Stage
Notably, during last month’s assembly elections, the Congress and a few other opposition parties raised the demand for a caste census, turning it into a polling issue. The demand for a caste census has grown over the past few weeks, especially since the Bihar government made data from a survey it conducted earlier this year available. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, stated that the BJP had never truly opposed a caste census earlier this month, just days before the assembly elections in five states.
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