Caste census: RSS says open to caste data collection for welfare, not politics

Palakkad: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said on Monday it has no objection to collecting data on specific communities or castes, provided that the information is used for their welfare and not exploited as a political tool for electoral gains.

Addressing the media here after a three-day coordination conclave called Samanway Baithak in this district, Sunil Ambekar, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, said caste and caste-relations were a "very sensitive issue" for the Hindu society and it is an important issue "for our national unity and integrity".

He was responding to a query on the caste census.

So, it should be dealt with "very seriously" and not just on the basis of elections or politics.

"So, as RSS thinks, yes, definitely for all welfare activities, addressing to the particular community or caste which is lagging behind and so special attention is needed to some communities and caste. So, for that, the government needs the numbers. It is very well practised. So, the government needs numbers, it takes. Earlier also it has taken. So, it can take it. No problem."

"But it should be only to address the welfare of those communities and castes. It should not be used as a political tool for electioneering. And so we put with a caution line for everyone," Ambekar said.

Ambekar's statement comes amidst campaigning by the opposition parties-- the Congress, Samajwadi Party and other INDIA bloc allies seeking to hold a caste census for effective policymaking.