Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge Proposes Three Key Points for Nationwide Caste Census to PM Modi

The three suggestions, as per Kharge, are taking up the "Telangana model" questionnaire, used in the caste census that had been held by the Congress-state government. The Congress had announced the results of the census in February and has insisted on the party being adopted for the pan-India exercise.

Kharge Suggests "Telangana Model" Questionnaire for Caste Census

The second proposal is for a constitutional amendment to abandon the "forcibly imposed" 50 per cent reservation ceiling, irrespective of the outcome of the caste survey. This action would be intended to make the reservation system more comprehensive and open up opportunities to a greater section of society.

Abolition of 50% Reservation Ceiling and Implementation of Article 15(5) Proposed

The third proposal is for the "immediate implementation" of Article 15(5) for reservations to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in private educational institutions. This step would provide the marginalized sections of society with access to quality education and social mobility opportunities.

Congress Leader Emphasizes Caste Census as a Tool for Social and Economic Justice

Kharge also asked the Prime Minister to invite all political parties at an early date for a discussion on the matter of caste census. He stressed that the caste census should not be termed "divisive" as it is a means to extend rights to the backward, deprived, and marginalized classes of citizens.

Kharge Urges PM Modi to Engage with All Political Parties on Caste Census Issue

The head of Congress also pointed out that the caste census must be carried out in an exhaustive manner so as to deliver social and economic justice and status and opportunity equality. He referred to the instance of the unity of the nation in the wake of unfavourable circumstances, like the recent terror attack at Pahalgam, in order to stress the need for oneness and inclusiveness.

Government ponders the proposal

Lastly, the Congress party's move to hold a nationwide caste census is to enable social and economic justice and bring about opportunities for the disadvantaged classes of society.The party's demand for the implementation of the "Telangana model" questionnaire and doing away with the 50 per cent reservation limit demonstrates its resolve for inclusivity and equality. While the government ponders the proposal, only time will tell how the caste census will be carried out and what its implications will be for the social and economic fabric of the nation.