The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on Wednesday, urging the Central government to initiate a caste-based census alongside the pending population census. Proposed by Chief Minister M K Stalin, the resolution emphasizes the need for accurate data to formulate policies ensuring equal rights and opportunities in education, economy, and employment for all citizens of India.
The demand for a caste-based census has been a contentious issue in national politics, particularly significant in Tamil Nadu due to its history of caste-based reservations and social justice movements. The resolution highlights the state’s commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities through targeted policies.
During the assembly debate, opposition to the resolution was voiced by PMK MLA R Arul, suggesting that the state itself could conduct the census. However, Law Minister S Regupathy clarified legal constraints under the Census Act, which reserves the authority solely for the Union government.
Chief Minister Stalin underscored the necessity for central involvement, citing legal protections and the authority vested in the Union government by the Census Act. He referenced his prior communications with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for a comprehensive census that includes caste data.
The resolution reflects Tamil Nadu’s proactive stance on social equity and awaits further action from the Centre amid ongoing national discourse on caste-based data collection.
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