New Delhi [India], May 2 (ANI): Spiritual Teacher and founder of PrashantAdvait Foundation Acharya Prashant on Friday said that data collection is 'neither forward nor backward', adding that it is the intention behind caste census that matters the most.

Acharya Prashant said if the caste census is used to identify marginalised communities for more accurate and efficient policy making then it is a good step.

Speaking with ANI, he said, 'Like any action it depends on intention here. Caste census simply means collecting more data and data is neither forward nor backward, nor good nor bad. It depends on what you intend to do with the data. If you want to identify the marginalised group in a better way so that more accurate and efficient policy making can happen than it is a good step.'

'If you want to know, let us say how even within the OBCs the different sub-groups are fearing now economically way as a result of several decades of reservation and you want to use the data in constructive step than it is a good step. If you want to implement other kind of affirmative welfare measures than obviously it is a good thing,' he added.

Acharya Prashant said that caste census can be used in a negative way if the intention is to 'further cement caste identification' or using the 'data for electoral gains.'

'On the other hand if you use the data to further cement caste identification then it's a step backward. If you use the data for electoral gains by targeting particular caste groups concentrated in particular electorates and geographies, then obviously it's a backward thing. If you will say that this kind of data has emerged and therefore this kind of emotional mobilisation can happen then it's a backward thing,' he said.

He added that the fears regarding caste census are justified as it could be used in both ways.

'The last caste census happened in 1931, almost 100 years back. It is good to obtain data but the fears are justified. This data might not be put to positive or constructive use. We want to know how the marginalised group have done in terms of education, prosperity, ownership, gender equality. This data should go in that direction but there are apprehension that it might be used so we have to be careful,' Acharya Prashant said.

The Union government has decided to include caste in the forthcoming census. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision on April 30 following the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meeting. (ANI)