Census – CM Stalin’s letter to PM Modi
Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister Stalin has written a letter to Prime Minister Modi regarding the population census.
In the letter, the Chief Minister stated that the Central Government’s decision to conduct a caste-based census alongside the National Population Census would help the government obtain comprehensive and reliable data, address social inequalities, and ensure that welfare schemes reach the right people. He welcomed this move by the Central Government as it was in line with a long-standing demand of the Tamil Nadu Government. The Chief Minister also stated that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has already passed a resolution requesting the Central Government to conduct a caste-based census alongside the population census, and that Tamil Nadu is leading in this demand.
The Chief Minister also stated in his letter that this decision by the Central Government also reaffirms Tamil Nadu’s stance on evidence-based social justice. However, because the caste census is a census issue, if not handled with utmost care, it could suddenly lead to social tensions. Given the deep differences in social structure and caste structure across different states, the Chief Minister stated that public confidence can only be assured if the questions, categories, sub-categories, and data collection methods for conducting this census are accurate and clear. Any shortcomings, controversies, inaccuracies, or divisive opinions could increase, the Chief Minister noted in his letter.
The Chief Minister emphasized in his letter that while the census is on the central government’s watchlist, its results will have a profound impact on state-level policies on education, employment, reservations, and welfare schemes, and that it is essential for the central government to consult with all states before deciding on the questions and methodology for this exercise. He stated that such consultations would help integrate the diverse perspectives of the Union Territories and states into this crucial process, understand specific nuances, and promote federalism. Therefore, 1. An advisory committee comprising representatives of the Chief Ministers of States and Union Territories should be formed to discuss and formulate guidelines for the caste-based census;
- The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has also called for utmost care in designing the framework, including pilot studies where necessary, to maintain the sensitivity of the process and ensure the reliability of the data to promote social justice.
In a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed confidence that this historic step taken under the leadership of the Indian Prime Minister will be used to strengthen India’s commitment to equality and inclusiveness and to uphold federal principles.
