New Delhi, India

Advertisment

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday (Sep 2) backed the demand for caste census, stressing that it should be approached with utmost seriousness rather than being used for electoral or political purposes.

'Important issue of our national unity and integrity'

Sunil Ambekar, the chief spokesperson of the RSS, said, “In our Hindu society, we have the sensitive issue of our caste and caste relations. Of course, it is an important issue of our national unity and integrity. It should be dealt with very seriously, not based on electioneering or election practices or politics."

Advertisment

'Should be handled with care'

He added that while the government may require accurate caste data to better support these communities, the RSS believes this practice must be approached with care. “RSS believes that while the government may need precise caste numbers to effectively address the welfare of these communities, this practice, though previously implemented, should be handled with care. The focus should remain on genuine upliftment and support rather than being manipulated for political advantage,” he added.

Highlighting the potential risks of using caste data irresponsibly, he said, “This caution is crucial to ensure that caste issues are treated with the seriousness they deserve, without reducing them to mere elements of electoral strategy.”

Advertisment

Congress' demand for caste census

Meanwhile, the Congress party has been actively advocating for a caste census, having included it in its Lok Sabha election manifesto. The party pledged to conduct a nationwide socio-economic and caste census to identify the castes, sub-castes, and their socio-economic conditions.

Also read: India: 2 pilgrims killed in landslide on Vaishno Devi route in Jammu & Kashmir

Congress also promised to push for a constitutional amendment to increase the 50 per cent reservation cap for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Regarding the Supreme Court’s suggestion to exclude the creamy layer from reservations, the RSS reiterated its consistent support for constitutional reservation and acknowledged that the court’s observations are sensitive.

“The RSS continues to work towards fostering Hindu unity and, by extension, national unity, and integrity. The organisation firmly upholds the values enshrined in the Constitution, particularly those of justice, equality, and fraternity, which are essential to ensuring national cohesion," he said.

Fraternity, in the context of national integrity, is crucial, and the RSS stresses the importance of Constitutional reservations in maintaining social balance. The RSS has always supported the system of reservations as a means of addressing historical inequalities and promoting inclusivity,” Ambekar added.

(With inputs from agencies)