Government stalls decision on caste census
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COMMENTS 
Although it has promised to factor in the sensitivities of political parties on a caste-based census, the Manmohan Singh government is not in any hurry to take a call on the demand
After an initial burst of enthusiasm, displayed both because of pressure from political parties across the aisle and its own votaries of social justice, the Union government is veering round to the view that a final decision on demands for incorporating caste in the ongoing census exercise need not be taken in haste.
It is therefore unlikely that the GoM (group of ministers) set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to look into the demand will reach a conclusion anytime soon. Government sources have indicated that the ministerial panel, which held its first meeting on July 1, 2010, is unlikely to submit a report before the monsoon session of Parliament, expected to get underway on July 27.
The GoM, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, is under pressure to decide on the issue as the second part of the census is scheduled to begin in September. Besides, a decision is vital given the fact that the last session of Parliament saw virtual unanimity among the political class for inclusion of caste in the census exercise.
Any decision on the issue, it is now being argued, is fraught with far-reaching consequences that could change the country’s socio-political complexion. Hence, it is imperative that the government factor in all the considerations before arriving at a decision.
After speaking in one voice on the issue, the political class itself has developed differences. In fact, many of those who were in the forefront in raking up the issue during the budget session of Parliament have now fallen silent.
Source: The Economic Times, July 1, 2010
Press Trust of India, July 1, 2010