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Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded that the Center should set a time limit for implementing caste census

Priya Verma May 03, 2025 12:27 PM

Siliguri: Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has urged the Centre to create a schedule for the newly authorized caste census, last conducted in 1931. Our only request to the BJP-NDA is that they provide us with the schedule, including the start, finish, and implementation dates. Will they complete the project before the 2029 Parliament elections? Here, Owaisi told reporters.

Owaisi discussed affirmative action for marginalized groups in the US, such as African Americans, Jews, and Chinese, which helped the US gain power while highlighting the significance of the caste census. He said that comparable factors made India’s caste census significant.

“Chinese, Jews, and African Americans benefited when America discussed affirmative action.” America continued to gain strength. It is crucial for India to conduct a similar census. They will then need to take the necessary action,” Owaisi said.

According to the AIMIM chairman, the caste census will show several opportunities for property ownership and other advantages among various castes. He went on to say that the caste census will also bring Pasmanda Muslims’ actual situation to light.

Since 2021, my party has called for the conduct of a national caste census. The last caste survey took place in 1931. Conducting a caste census will reveal who is receiving what benefits and who is not. Who is in possession of the land and who is not? Therefore, such information is crucial,” Owaisi said.

“Everyone will learn about the actual state of affairs for Pasmanda Muslims. They will learn about the dire circumstances of non-Pasmanda Muslims,” he said.

The decision comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs resolved to include caste enumeration in the next census. Following the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, announced this on April 30.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu called the Central government’s intention to carry out a caste census “revolutionary,” stating that India is headed for greatness in the years to come.