Reading a Book Alone Isn't Sufficient; You Need to Understand Its Content: Prashant Kishor on Caste Census (paraphrased)
In a recent turn of events, political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has shared his thoughts on the upcoming caste census, following the Centre's announcement of its inclusion in the next census. Kishor emphasized that while a caste census can provide valuable societal insights, it isn't a magic solution to instantaneously resolve social issues and bring equality.
"Having data about society is not an issue," Kishor said, "but understanding and utilizing that data effectively is what matters." He further clarified that improving the country does not solely depend on conducting a census; it necessitates the government's careful attention to the results to bring about meaningful change.
Kishor critically noted instances like in Bihar where, despite the caste survey conducted under the Grand Alliance government, the promised financial aid for employment has yet to be distributed to impoverished families.
Following the central government's announcement, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party, participating in the Bihar state election, demanded a white paper detailing the actions taken based on the caste survey results from January 2023.
On Centre's Caste Census Move, Opposition Claims Big Victory
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, disclosing the caste census in Delhi, dismissed the earlier caste surveys, terming them as mere attempts to appease voters.
The caste census decision, announced ahead of the Bihar assembly election slated for this year, has stirred political excitement, with both the BJP and the Opposition vying for credit.
Counting Caste: A Political Victory or Tool?
The Opposition cheers this decision as a long-time demand finally being recognized, while the government is accused of caving into political pressure as the election approaches.
"Our Vision, Glad They Adopted It": Rahul Gandhi On Caste Census Move
Rashtriya Janata Dal patriarch Lalu Yadav expressed satisfaction, stating that the demand for a caste census finally gained traction. According to him, the BJP will continue to be on the defensive as the opposition sets the political agenda.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav declared it a victory for the INDIA bloc. However, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has refuted these claims, accusing the Opposition of manipulating the caste census demand for political gain.
While integrating caste data can guide welfare and reservation policies, the extent to which the state-level Bihar caste survey data will influence national policies remains unclear. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the delay in releasing a timeline for the national caste census, potentially keeping Bihar's data as the primary reference point until further updates.
- Prashant Kishor, in relation to the upcoming caste census, has specified that while data collection is important, it is the effective use of that data that truly matters.
- In the context of Bihar's caste survey, Kishor pointed out that despite the survey, intended financial aid for employment remains undistributed among impoverished families.
- Following the central government's announcement, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party, participating in the Bihar state election, demanded a white paper detailing the actions taken based on the caste survey results from January 2023.
- The caste census decision, expected to influence national policy-and-legislation, has stirred intense political debate, with both the BJP and the Opposition jockeying for credit and accusations of political motivations being levied.
