Union Minister Chirag Paswan favours caste census

Union minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan on Sunday expressed his support for a caste census as demanded by several Opposition leaders, including Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Paswan said that such a census was essential because many government schemes are framed keeping caste considerations in mind.

"My party has always maintained a clear stance in favour of a caste census. We want caste census to happen because, many times, both state and central governments design schemes keeping caste into account. These schemes are prepared with the intent of integrating different castes into the mainstream," Paswan told media persons in Ranchi.

"In such a situation, the government should have accurate information about the population of each caste. At the very least, this data should exist so that funds can be allocated proportionately. Whether it's about implementing schemes or integrating certain castes into the mainstream, the government should have these figures." he said.


BJP's another ally from Bihar, Nitish Kumar's JDU, has been constantly demanding caste census across the country.

Earlier in the day, Paswan was re-elected as LJP (Ram Vilas) president. He said that his party will contest the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand.