Union Food Processing Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has voiced strong support for a caste-based census, saying it is crucial for addressing discrimination and ensuring fair representation in Indian society.
Speaking at the Powering Bharat event organised by Network18 and partners, Paswan said, “I support the caste census because our society is still divided on caste and that leads to an environment of discrimination. Even today, a Dalit is not allowed to ride a horse because of their caste.”
Paswan stressed that a caste census would give policymakers accurate data to uplift historically marginalised communities. He also criticised political parties for misusing caste divisions. “Many political parties are responsible for dividing people on caste,” he said in an interview with Moneycontrol.
Calling the caste census a “vital tool for inclusive governance,” Paswan added, “It will help in fair representation in every sector.” He reaffirmed his support for caste-based reservations, saying, “I want the reservation process to be strengthened further.”
The Centre has already announced that the next national census will include caste data. The exercise, managed by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs, will involve people self-reporting their caste identity.
