Daijiworld Media Network – Vijaypur
Vijaypur, May 1: Residents of Karnataka’s Vijaypur and Dharwad have voiced strong support for the Central government’s landmark decision to conduct a caste census alongside the upcoming General Census. The move, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been described by locals as “historic” and “long overdue.”
Several Kannadigas praised the decision and dismissed opposition claims that the move is politically motivated.
“As the PM Modi-led government has approved the caste census, it’s a big step forward,” said Nagraj Nayak, a resident of Dharwad. “The Congress kept saying that the BJP is against the caste census. However, the party and PM Modi are taking steps that are in the best interest of the country.”
Prithviraj, a resident of Vijaypur, said, “The caste census is good for the people of India. It will help improve the economic situation of different communities.” Echoing similar sentiments, Omkar, also from Vijaypur, added, “This is a positive move. The decision should have been made earlier. It’s important for the development of both the people and the nation.”
Pramod, another local, welcomed what he called a “bold move” by PM Modi. “Amid high-voltage political discussions, PM Modi has gone ahead with the caste census. Congress claims it’s just for Bihar elections, but let me remind Rahul Gandhi that in 2006, the Congress itself opposed a caste census. The BJP had advised them then to carry it out, but not manipulate caste data for political gain. A caste census should be conducted every 10 years,” he said.
He added, “The last census was held in 2011. The next was due in 2021 but was delayed due to COVID-19 and elections. Now, a timely and transparent decision has been made. A genuine caste census will be conducted in 2025 along with the national census.”
Another resident, Sachin Kothar, emphasized the significance of the caste census in shaping equitable policies. “It will help us understand the demographic composition of different castes in the country. This is crucial for planning welfare schemes and ensuring social justice,” he said.
India’s national census, a decennial population-based survey, was first launched in 1872 under Viceroy Lord Mayo. The first complete census was conducted that same year. Since 1951, it has been conducted under the Census of India Act, 1948, by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The upcoming census — now slated for 2025 — will include caste data for the first time in over a decade, a step many believe will enhance inclusivity and accurate representation in policymaking.