Change Of Stance? RSS Supports Caste Census On Condition That It Is Utilised For Overall Social Development

In a significant turn of events, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has shifted its position on the caste census, emphasising that such an exercise should be utilised for the comprehensive development of society.

Recognising historical disparities that have left certain sections of society economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged, the RSS underscored the need to leverage a caste census for societal upliftment.

As reported by The Times Of India, Sunil Ambekar, the publicity head of the RSS, reiterated the organisation's commitment to constructing a Hindu society based on principles of harmony and social justice, without any form of discrimination.

He highlighted that various government schemes and provisions have been introduced over time to address historical inequalities, and the RSS fully supports measures aimed at empowering these sections of society.

In an earlier development, high-ranking RSS officials had clarified the organisation's stance to lawmakers from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena (Shinde group).

The legislators were apprised of the RSS's disapproval of the caste census, viewing it as detrimental and a source of inequality.

Shridhar Ghadge, the senior RSS pracharak and head of Vidarbha prant, had conveyed the organisation's unwillingness to endorse a caste census unless the purported benefits are clearly defined.

However, the RSS expressed a willingness to cooperate with the government under the condition that the advantages of a caste census are sufficiently clarified.

As the discourse around a caste-based census gains momentum, particularly with demands from Congress and other opposition parties, RSS's emphasis on using census data for societal development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion.