Rashtriya Janata Dal Leader Tejashwi Yadav Writes to PM Modi on Caste Census
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding several demands to be included in the caste enumeration, including reservation in the private sector.
On April 30, 2025, the Modi government announced the addition of a caste census in the upcoming population survey.
Mr. Yadav demanded that there should be reservation in contracts, judiciary, proportional reservation based on caste census data, and full implementation of pending Mandal Commission recommendations.
Mr. Yadav alleged that for years, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre dismissed calls for a caste census as divisive and unnecessary. He said that when Bihar took the initiative to conduct its own caste survey, central authorities including the top law officer of the government and his party created obstacles at every step. His party colleagues questioned the very necessity of such data collection. His belated decision represents an acknowledgment of the groundswell of demands from citizens who have long been relegated to the margins of society.
Mr. Yadav further said that the Bihar caste survey, which revealed that Other Backward Class (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Class (EBCs) constitute approximately 63% of the state’s population, shattered many myths perpetuated to maintain the status quo. He said that similar patterns are likely to emerge nationwide, and the revelation that disadvantaged communities form the overwhelming majority of the population while remaining severely under-represented in positions of power will create a democratic awakening transcending political boundaries.
He added that conducting the caste census is merely the first step of the long journey towards social justice and the census data must lead to a comprehensive review of social protection and reservation policies. He explained that the cap on reservations will also have to be reconsidered post caste census. He claimed that the caste census is also an opportunity to correct enduring injustices in the upcoming delimitation exercise. He pointed out that the Constitution mandates the state to reduce economic inequalities and ensure equitable distribution of resources. He said that when we know exactly how many of our citizens belong to disadvantaged groups and their economic condition, targeted interventions must be designed with greater precision. He said that the private sector, which has been a major beneficiary of public resources, cannot remain insulated from social justice imperatives. Companies have received substantial benefits such as land at concessional rates, power subsidies, tax exemptions, infrastructure support, and various financial incentives all funded by taxpayer money. He added that in return, it is entirely reasonable to expect the private sector to reflect the social composition of our country. The context created by the caste census must be used to have open conversations about inclusivity and diversity in the private sector across organizational hierarchies.
Calling the decision historic, Mr. Yadav said that the decision to conduct the caste census can be a transformative moment in our nation’s journey towards equality. He asked whether the data be used as a catalyst for systemic reforms, or will it be confined to dusty archives like many previous commission reports? He promised constructive cooperation, asserting that in utilizing the census findings for genuine social transformation. He said that the millions who have struggled for this census await not just data but dignity, not just enumeration but empowerment.
Reference : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/caste-census-tejashwi-writes-to-pm-modi-demands-reservation-in-private-sector-and-judiciary/article69533378.ece
