Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Calls for State Consultation on Caste Enumeration Rules
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold consultations with State governments before finalising the framework for caste enumeration in the upcoming national Census. Emphasising the federal nature of India’s governance, Stalin said that States play a crucial role in ensuring that such an exercise is inclusive, transparent, and socially just.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister noted that caste-related data has a direct bearing on social justice policies, welfare schemes, and affirmative action programmes. Given its far-reaching implications, he stressed that decisions on caste enumeration should not be taken unilaterally by the Centre.
Stalin pointed out that States like Tamil Nadu have long-standing experience in implementing social justice measures and collecting socio-economic data. He argued that involving States in drafting the rules would help address regional variations and ground realities, thereby improving the accuracy and usefulness of the data collected.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that clear, well-defined rules are essential to avoid ambiguity during enumeration and to ensure public confidence in the process. According to him, consultations with States would strengthen the Census exercise and uphold the spirit of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Constitution.
The demand for caste-based data has gained momentum in recent years, with several political parties and State governments arguing that updated figures are necessary for evidence-based policymaking. Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu’s support for such data collection but maintained that it must be carried out through a transparent and consultative process.
As the Centre prepares to lay down guidelines for the next Census, Stalin’s appeal adds to the broader national debate on caste enumeration and the role of States in shaping key policy decisions.Read more
