Overview
- Writing to the Prime Minister, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister requested a formal consultative mechanism involving chief ministers and state representatives on caste enumeration norms.
- Stalin welcomed reports that the Union Government will include caste details in the forthcoming national census, aligning with Tamil Nadu’s long-standing demand.
- He warned that the exercise is highly sensitive and said question design, category definitions and data-collection methods must be precise to maintain public trust.
- He asked that the Centre consult all States and Union Territories before finalising the questionnaire and sought pilot studies where needed to prevent inaccuracies or disputes.
- Framing the move as vital for social justice and policy design, he noted that census outcomes affect reservations, education, employment and welfare at the state level.