TAMIL NADU Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Central government to take a consultative approach with states and Union Territories before finalising guidelines for caste enumeration in the forthcoming population census, calling the exercise both consequential and “exceedingly sensitive”.
In the letter, Stalin framed the decision to include caste details as one with “far-reaching implications for social justice, equitable policy-making, and the federal structure of our nation”, and said he welcomed the move. “At the outset, I welcome the inclusion of caste details in the census, as it aligns with the long-standing demand of the Government of Tamil Nadu for comprehensive, reliable data to address historical inequalities and ensure targeted welfare measures,” he wrote.
“Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of this demand, with our Legislative Assembly passing resolutions urging the Union government to conduct a caste-based census alongside the decadal population enumeration. This decision vindicates our consistent advocacy for evidence-based social justice,” Stalin wrote.
But he cautioned that the exercise could trigger friction if the design is not carefully calibrated across regions. “However, caste enumeration is an exceedingly sensitive matter that touches upon deep-rooted social dynamics, regional variations in caste structures, and the potential for unintended societal tensions if not handled with utmost care,” he wrote. “The framing of questions, categories, sub-categories, and the methodology for data collection must be precise, inclusive, and free from ambiguity to ensure accuracy and public trust. Any shortcomings in these aspects could lead to disputes, inaccuracies, or even exacerbate divisions.”
While noting that “census is a Union subject,” he argued the results would shape “state-level policies on education, employment, reservation, and welfare schemes,” making state consultation essential. “It is imperative that the Union government consults all states and Union territories before finalising the guidelines and questionnaire,” he wrote, saying such a process would “foster cooperative federalism”.
Stalin urged the Prime Minister to “constitute a consultative mechanism involving Chief Ministers and representatives of states” and to pursue “due diligence… including pilot testing where necessary,” to ensure reliable data “for advancing social justice”.
