Sun May 25 06:59:01 UTC 2025: **Headline: Caste Census to Strengthen Social Justice, Says NCSC Chairperson**

**New Delhi, May 25, 2025** – The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairperson Kishor Makwana has lauded the BJP-led NDA government’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, dismissing concerns that it will create societal divisions. In an interview with PTI, Mr. Makwana stated that the data collected will provide a crucial foundation for policy decisions and ultimately strengthen social justice by helping uplift marginalized backward communities.

He emphasized that unlike the partially released and unutilized 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) conducted by the UPA government, this census will provide “definite figures,” ensuring proportionate access to welfare schemes for those who have been deprived. Mr. Makwana clarified that the NCSC will not be directly involved in data collection but will play a vital role in post-census policy framing to ensure the Scheduled Castes receive their due share based on population proportion.

Mr. Makwana also criticized previous governments for neglecting caste data in past censuses, suggesting a lack of genuine intention to uplift marginalized communities. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision to empower the last person in society and stated that the caste census aligns with this goal.

Beyond the census, Mr. Makwana outlined the NCSC’s efforts to conduct state-level hearings to address caste-based issues directly, noting concerns about the condition of Dalits in Punjab, including scholarship shortages, drug addiction, and high dropout rates. He stressed that legal provisions alone are insufficient, emphasizing the need for empathy and emotional connection within society to tackle these challenges effectively.

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