All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the Central Government to present a clear timeline for implementing the recently approved caste census, which was last conducted in 1931.
“We would like to say just one thing to the BJP-NDA: tell us the timeline – when it will begin, when it will end and when it will be implemented. Will this be done before the 2029 Parliament elections?” Owaisi told reporters here.
Emphasizing the importance of the caste census, Owaisi pointed to the affirmative action policies in the United States, which benefited historically marginalised communities such as African-Americans, Jews, and Chinese, helping the country grow stronger.
“When America spoke of affirmative action, the African-Americans, Jews and the Chinese benefited from it. America kept growing powerful. So, it is important for India to have such a census. After that, they will have to take the step needed,” Owaisi added.
The AIMIM leader said that a caste census would shed light on land ownership, access to government benefits, and socio-economic disparities among various castes. He also stressed its potential to reveal the true condition of Pasmanda Muslims, a backward section within the Muslim community.
“My party had demanded since 2021 that a nationwide caste survey should be held. The last caste survey was held in 1931. If a caste survey is done, it will be found out who is getting what benefits and who is not getting any benefits. Who has the land, and who doesn’t? So, this is essential,” Owaisi said.
“Everyone will get to know the ground reality of the condition of Pasmanda Muslims. They will get to know how bad the condition of non-Pasmanda Muslims,” he added.
The demand comes after the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. The announcement was made by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 30.
Calling the government’s decision “revolutionary,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that India is on the path to becoming a great nation with such inclusive steps.