Athawale terms decision on caste census ‘historic’

 

 

 

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India Ramdas Athawale has termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Government’s decision of conducting caste census in the country as ‘historic’. Addressing media persons at the state guest house Pahuna in Raipur Athawale said that the Narendra Modi-led Government has decided to conduct a caste census, a decision he termed “historic.” He asserted that this move was not made under pressure from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and criticiSed the Congress for not taking such a decision when they were in power, despite long-standing demands.

 

He stated that the caste census would reveal the actual population of all castes, which would then inform decisions on representation. Regarding the Hindi-Marathi language dispute in Maharashtra, Athawale emphasized that Hindi is the national language and should be respected. While acknowledging the demand for Marathi language education, he suggested that Hindi should be implemented in schools, but regional languages should be prioritized from Class 1 to 6. Responding to a question about Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge’s proposed visit to Raipur on July 7, Athawale predicted that Kharge would speak against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the changing of the Indian Constitution.

 

The Union Minister stated that his visit to Chhattisgarh was for the state’s development. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts, highlighting the benefits received by people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and mentioned that over 51 crore bank accounts have been opened during the NDA government’s tenure. Athawale confirmed that the Republican Party of India (Athawale) had supported the BJP in last elections and announced that the Republican Party of India would hold a meeting in Chhattisgarh in October. The minister had advocated for reservation in private companies also.