In a recent announcement, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel of Chhattisgarh has stated that the Congress party will undertake a caste survey in the state if it retains power.
This move comes following the success of a similar survey conducted by the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The aim is to gather data on caste demographics, which will help in formulating policies and addressing social inequalities.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a prominent member of the Congress party, has also voiced her support for this initiative.
The Significance of a Caste Survey
Caste has been a deeply rooted aspect of Indian society for centuries. It plays a significant role in determining social status, with certain castes facing discrimination and marginalization.
By conducting a caste survey, the government aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of caste dynamics, which can guide the formulation of policies for the welfare and upliftment of marginalized communities.
The Bihar government recently released the findings of its caste survey, providing valuable insights into the composition of its population.
According to the report, 36% of the population belongs to the Extremely Backward Classes, while 27.1% are from Other Backward Classes (OBC), 19.7% from Scheduled Castes, and 1.7% from Scheduled Tribes. The remaining percentage constitutes the general population.
Key Takeaways from the Bihar Caste Survey
The survey highlighted that the Yadav community, a prominent OBC subgroup, comprises 14.27% of all OBC categories.
This finding holds particular significance as Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav belongs to this community. The release of the caste survey findings has sparked discussions and debates among political parties, with the BJP claiming that it has a majority of supporters within the survey results.
The Congress’s Commitment to Caste Survey
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to conducting a caste survey in Chhattisgarh if it remains in power.
This reaffirms the party’s dedication to addressing social inequalities and promoting social justice.
By collecting accurate data on caste demographics, the government can create targeted policies that address the specific challenges faced by different communities.
Criticisms and Concerns
While the proposed caste survey has received widespread support from the Congress party, there have been criticisms and concerns from certain quarters.
Some argue that such surveys further entrench caste divisions and reinforce social hierarchies. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential misuse of caste data for political gain.
The Congress party’s commitment to conducting a caste survey in Chhattisgarh if it retains power demonstrates its dedication to understanding and addressing social inequalities.
