Caste-based census starts in the national capital

NEW DELHI: As the process of carrying out a caste-based census kicked off in the capital today, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit backed the effort, contending it would help formulate more inclusive policies by identifying the weaker sections.

Talking to reporters after chairing a cabinet meeting here, Dikshit said India was a developing nation and both economic and caste aspects were important for evaluation.

Asked her opinion about caste-based enumeration, she said, "It is the government's decision and has to be done".

"It is important that these things are evaluated in India to find out which sections are weaker and need to get social justice. This census will help formulate processes in this direction as information is gathered till micro level," Dikshit said.

Speaking about the cabinet meeting where the issue of VAT collections was also discussed, she said there was need for more detailed information to be collected.

"Our VAT commissioner was also present and we discussed the need for some additional information that is needed to strengthen statistics," she said.