"This landmark step will ensure that India has authentic, scientific, and transparent caste data--moving away from politically motivated state-level surveys that often lacked credibility or uniformity," he added.
Amid ongoing political sparring, parties across the political spectrum have welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to approve the caste census, marking a moment of consensus on a sensitive issue that has long been at the centre of debates on social justice and representation.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming population census, saying that the decision reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's deep commitment to inclusive governance.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday called for strong action against terrorists involved in Pahalgam terrorist attack, saying they must pay a price and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must make it very clear that that "India is not going to tolerate this type of nonsense".
Earlier in the day, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed the media about the decision, saying the move would strengthen the country's social and economic structure.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday that the party supports the government's decision to conduct caste enumeration during the forthcoming population census, but it should specify a timeline.
The Congress National President further emphasized that in the absence of caste census, the implementation of meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes is incomplete.
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan on Wednesday condemned the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Pahalgam, calling it a tragic moment that deeply hurt every Indian. He also extended prayers to the families of the victims.
Briefing the media about the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the step will strengthen the social and economic structure of the society while the nation continues to progress.