Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 1 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming population census, calling it a 'step in the right direction,' taken after a 'long delay.'

Taking to X, Mayawati said, 'The decision taken by the Central Government today to conduct 'caste census' along with the national census in the country is a step in the right direction taken after a long delay. It is welcome. BSP has been demanding this for a long time.'

Mayawati hoped that the governemt will implement this people's welfare decision.

'It is hoped that the government will definitely implement this decision of through census' on time,' Mayawati said on Wednesday.

In a significant decision, the government on Wednesday decided that caste enumeration will be included in the forthcoming census.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed a press briefing on the Cabinet's decision, stating that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) had decided that caste enumeration would be part of the upcoming census.

Vaishnaw said this move would strengthen the social and economic structure of society while the nation continues to progress.

'Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country,' he said.

The minister also highlighted that the Modi government had earlier introduced a ten per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections without causing any stress on other sections of society.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have long advocated for a caste census, with party leaders frequently reiterating the demand in their speeches. (ANI)