The Caste Census is about building a policy framework that will deliver social justice.
The Constitution promises justice and equality for every Indian. Yet, the harsh reality today is that over 90% of our population is excluded from growth and opportunity.
The 90% Bahujans - Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, minorities, and also the general caste poorтАФare skilled and hardworking. Excluding them from opportunities is like shutting down 9 cylinders of a 10-cylinder engineтАФwe simply won't get very far as a nation.
Just as the Constitution guided us towards social justice, a comprehensive socio-economic Caste Census will be our guide today. It will help include the 90% in the nation's progress and realise the Constitution's promise.
This census will do more than just count the population. Like an X-ray it will reveal who has access to wealth and assets, identify the most marginalised communities, and highlight the families lacking basic needs and opportunities. It will show us who is and isn't represented in our nation's institutionsтАФwhether in government, business, media, or judiciary.
The data from this census will be crucial in designing policies to address long-standing issues. For example, the arbitrary 50% cap on reservations will be revised so that representation in government and education is fair for all communities.
PM Modi must recognise that the people of India have already made their voices heard. A comprehensive socio-economic Caste Census will happen.
He should either implement it now or wait and watch as the next Prime Minister does so.