Following the central government's decision to conduct a caste census, Bihar's former Deputy Chief Minister, Tejashwi Yadav, has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter, Yadav stated that the decision on caste census could be a transformative step towards equality and social justice in India.
Patna: The political atmosphere in the country has intensified after the central government green-lit the caste census. Meanwhile, Bihar's former Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a "transformative moment in the journey towards equality." Shared on social media, the letter questioned the central government's previous stance and highlighted the importance of a caste-based census.
Tejashwi Yadav wrote, "A caste census is not merely a count of figures; it is a crucial step towards social justice and empowerment. For those who have been deprived and marginalized for years, this is an opportunity for respect."
The Bihar Model and the Centre's Previous Stance
Referring to Bihar's caste survey, Tejashwi Yadav wrote that when Bihar took the initiative, the central government and several BJP leaders termed it unnecessary and divisive. He alleged that the central government's top legal officials created legal hurdles against the caste survey.
Your party allies questioned the utility of this data. However, now that your government has decided on a caste census, it is an acknowledgment that the demand of the country's citizens was justified and necessary, Yadav wrote.
Demand for Policy Formulation Based on Data
Tejashwi Yadav stated that Bihar's caste survey found that OBCs and EBCs constitute approximately 63% of the total population. He said that similar figures might emerge across the country, necessitating a review of social schemes and reservation policies. He also demanded a reconsideration of the 50% reservation limit.
This census will not be mere statistics on paper but a solid foundation for policy-making. We must ensure that social security schemes reach those who truly need them.
Delimitation and Political Representation
Tejashwi Yadav also mentioned the upcoming delimitation process, stating that the redrawing of constituencies should be based on census data. He demanded proportional representation for OBCs and EBCs on political platforms. "Not just reservation, but ensuring representation in Parliament and Assemblies is also an integral part of social justice," he wrote.
Social Justice Responsibility of the Private Sector
Tejashwi Yadav also wrote in the letter that the private sector should not remain untouched by the principles of social justice. He suggested that just as private companies utilize government resources, they should also ensure diversity and inclusivity in their organizational structures. Land, subsidies, and tax breaks are all provided from taxpayer money. Therefore, expecting them to represent the social structure is not unreasonable.
Will it be Just Data or Bring Change?
In the concluding part of the letter, Tejashwi raised a profound question: Will this census, too, gather dust on shelves like reports of other commissions, or will it truly be a catalyst for social change? He also assured the Prime Minister of constructive cooperation towards social change. "We are from Bihar, where the caste survey has been eye-opening. We want this process to become a means of real change across the country."
