The Home Ministry has informed Parliament that the questions related to caste in the upcoming Census will be notified before the commencement of the second phase. This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions and debates about the inclusion of caste-based data in the decadal population count, which is crucial for policy-making and resource allocation.
During a recent session in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry stated that the process of finalizing the questionnaire is underway and that the caste-related queries will be incorporated in a manner that ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity. The Ministry emphasized that the decision to include caste data is aimed at addressing socio-economic disparities and enabling targeted welfare programs.
The Census, which is conducted every ten years, has not included caste enumeration since 1931, except for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The proposal to reintroduce caste data has been a subject of intense debate, with proponents arguing that it is essential for understanding the socio-economic landscape and opponents expressing concerns about potential misuse of the data.
The Home Ministry assured that the process will be transparent and that consultations with stakeholders, including state governments and civil society organizations, are being conducted to ensure that the data collection is comprehensive and accurate. The Ministry also highlighted that the caste data will be used solely for developmental purposes and will not be employed for any discriminatory practices.
The second phase of the Census, which includes the house listing and housing census, is scheduled to begin later this year. The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to completing the exercise in a timely manner while adhering to the highest standards of accuracy and inclusivity.
Experts have welcomed the move, stating that the inclusion of caste data will provide valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of different communities. However, they have also called for robust safeguards to prevent the misuse of the data and to ensure that it is used exclusively for the intended developmental purposes.
The Ministry has also assured that the privacy and confidentiality of the data will be maintained in accordance with the law. The use of technology and digital tools will be maximized to streamline the data collection process and minimize errors.
As the nation prepares for the Census, the focus remains on ensuring that the exercise is inclusive, accurate, and beneficial for all sections of society. The inclusion of caste data is seen as a significant step towards addressing long-standing socio-economic inequalities and fostering a more equitable society.
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