Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the decision to conduct a caste census reflects the NDA government’s commitment to social justice. Addressing the media in New Delhi today, Mr. Pradhan said that the decision was not made abruptly but represents a considered and deliberate approach by the Government. He mentioned that the national census was originally scheduled for 2021, but the Committee on Political Affairs has now taken a decision in principle to include a caste census in the upcoming census. He added that the Home Minister had hinted at this about a year ago.

Mr. Pradhan further said that people from all sections of the country have risen above party politics and welcomed the decision. Taking a jibe at the Congress for opposing the decision, he alleged that Congress deprived the tribal, Dalit, and backwards classes of the country of the rights they deserved. He claimed that Congress’s hypocrisy is visible today. Mr Pradhan also asserted that the BJP’s commitment to social justice does not require any certificate from the Congress party.