Congress Moves Motion In Lok Sabha To Discuss Caste-Based Census

In order to examine the caste-based census issue, Congress MP Manickam Tagore filed an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

“I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance… the urgent need for a caste-based census,” Tagore said in the notice.

He said there was a drastic budget cut for the Census to Rs 1,309.46 crore from Rs 23,768 crore which has raised concerns about the government’s “commitment to timely and effective data collection”. He said the census is crucial for social justice and the targeted welfare of the marginalised communities.

“The lack of necessary funds impacts the efficacy of this important process. We urge the government to prioritise and complete the caste-based census promptly to ensure social justice and equitable progress,” said the Congress MP.

To list their socioeconomic circumstances, Congress has pledged to carry out a national socioeconomic and caste census. Over the past few years, the party’s MP and former president Rahul Gandhi have drawn attention to issue.

With congress demanding for caste-based census, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Finance Bill for the fiscal year 2024–2025 on Tuesday; it will be reviewed and perhaps passed.

The agenda of the Lower House read: “Further consideration of the following motion moved by Nirmala Sitharaman on the 6th August 2024 namely, that the Bill to give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2024- 2025, be taken into consideration. Nirmala Sitharaman to move that the Bill be passed.”