Stalin urges Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution for comprehensive caste census

DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called on the Tamil Nadu government to move a resolution in the State Assembly pressing the Centre to carry out a comprehensive caste census. He argued that such an exercise is essential to assess the socio-economic standing of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), shape a suitable reservation framework, and further their empowerment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Stalin said the census would only be meaningful if it drew on a consolidated list of communities prepared jointly by the Central and State governments. He expressed disappointment over the Centre's decision to record caste details through an open-ended format, without a pre-determined drop-down list or standardised menu. He also rejected the explanation that communities in the OBC list should be treated as classes rather than castes.

Stalin urged the Centre to consult State governments and incorporate castes listed under the Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes categories. He said respondents should be able to select their caste from this combined list. Collecting caste information based on individual suggestions, he warned, would create confusion and could lead to claims involving as many as 46 lakh communities.

He cautioned that continuing with the current approach would waste an estimated ₹12,000 crore and the effort of government employees. Calling the exercise an "eyewash," he said it would yield no tangible benefits.