New Delhi: The Vice President of Jamaat e Islami Hind (JIH), Prof Salim Engineer has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census. In a statement to the media, the JIH Vice President said, “We welcome the Union Cabinet’s decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census. Caste still remains a strong social construct in India, shaping access to education, employment, and political representation. The Caste Census is a social, legal, administrative, and moral requirement to rectify historical injustices faced by Backward Castes, Dalits, and Adivasis. It will provide accurate data to monitor affirmative action policies and help these communities to develop socially and economically. It is a well known fact that only what is measured can be managed, and hence caste-wise data is essential for informed policymaking and inclusive development. The Caste Census will provide accurate data to monitor and strengthen affirmative action policies for these marginalized communities, particularly in the context of a growing private sector and diminishing government jobs.

While acknowledging the government’s decision, Prof Salim Engineer expressed concern over the government’s earlier reluctance to conduct the Caste Census. He said, ” As evidenced by the official statements in Parliament, the government was completely opposed to caste enumeration beyond Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). But it seems that it has finally accepted its efficacy. The failure of the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census, marred by poor design and execution, underscores the need for a robust framework. However, we feel that the process must be transparent, inclusive, and free from political manipulation to empower marginalized communities and uphold constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 15, and 16.”

The JIH Vice President stated further, ” A definitive timeline for the entire exercise must be issued by the government. Sufficient budget should be allocated to the Caste Census. The main objective of the Caste Census should be social justice and not political gain. The use of technology, such as internet-enabled devices with preloaded caste options, will ensure accuracy and efficiency. We do not agree with those who oppose Caste Census claiming that it reinforces divisions or is administratively complex. India’s census already enumerates religion and language, and SC/ST counts since 1951. These have not fueled conflict. Enumeration is feasible, as successfully demonstrated by states such as Bihar and Telangana. We call on all stakeholders to support this transformative exercise, ensuring it strengthens national unity and delivers justice to the marginalized.”