Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], May 3 (ANI): Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday voiced support for a caste-based census, stating that 'the government must have an assessment about how to organise the people of the country.'

'The people sitting in the government must have an assessment about how to organise the people of the country,' CM Soren told the media.

Earlier today, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the Centre's recent decision to include caste-based data in the national census.

Yadav called the move 'a transformative moment in our nation's journey towards equality'. He also urged the government to ensure the data leads to meaningful policy reforms.

Sharing the letter on X, Yadav wrote, 'My letter to PM Narendra Modi. The decision to conduct the caste census can be a transformative moment in our nation's journey towards equality. The millions who have struggled for this census await not just data but dignity, not just enumeration but empowerment.'

In the letter, Yadav expressed 'cautious optimism' over the Centre's move, stating that for years the NDA government had resisted demands for a caste census, dismissing them as divisive and unnecessary. He also alleged that the Centre repeatedly obstructed Bihar when it undertook a caste survey, including resistance from officials and BJP leaders.

'Your belated decision represents an acknowledgement of the groundswell of demands from the citizens who have long been relegated to the margins of our society.' Yadav wrote.

Referring to the Bihar caste survey, which revealed that OBCs and EBCs constitute around 63% of the state's population, Yadav said similar data at the national level could shatter many myths perpetuated to maintain the status quo.

The RJD leader also emphasised the need for the private sector to align with social justice goals.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated at a media briefing following the cabinet meeting that the decision demonstrates the present government's commitment to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society. (ANI)