Financial crisis: Kerala not in a hurry to conduct caste-based census

Thiruvananthapuram: While the newly-formed opposition alliance ‘INDIA’ continues to raise its demand for conducting a nationwide caste-based census, the CPM ruled Kerala has temporarily put on hold its plans for conducting an exclusive caste-based census in the state. However, the Kerala government is expecting the centre to conduct a caste census along with the population census, at the earliest. 

Meanwhile, the state government will also explain its stand on a case filed at the Kerala HC demanding a caste-based census before reforming the state OBC list. It should be noted that CPM supports caste-based census, however, the ongoing financial crisis in the state stops it from executing the same on an independent level.

If Kerala decides to conduct a survey, it is not going to be an easy task by any means. Remember, there are at least 90 lakh households in Kerala. At a time, when the centre is refusing to provide any sort of financial aid to the state, carrying out such a survey is unthinkable.

Last month, Minister K Radhakrishnan had urged the government to take a diplomatic decision on caste census, while talking in the legislative assembly. However, CM Pinaryi Vijayan, in a press conference the other day, only said that the government is looking into the matter seriously.    

At present, there are 84 communities in Kerala OBC reservation list. There is a growing demand for reforming this list after conducting a census. The 2021 nationwide population census was postponed owing to the pandemic. Amidst this, the opposition had started demanding a countrywide caste census as well. However, the centre had refused to clarify its stand.

Meanwhile, a caste-based census was conducted in the state of Bihar. Following this, Rahul Gandhi urged leaders of Congress-ruled states to follow the trend and conduct similar surveys. Amidst these developments, Kerala’s position in conducting the survey also came into discussion, however, CPM seems to be in no hurry to conduct the survey.