Caste-Wise Census Will Be of No Use in Current Five-Year Plan, Claims Former MP Haribhau Rathod

Former Member of Parliament Haribhau Rathod has strongly criticized the central government’s recently announced caste-wise census, claiming it will have no practical impact on the ongoing five-year development plan. The central government has announced that a nationwide caste-wise census will begin on June 1, 2027, and will be conducted in two phases. However, Rathod pointed out that the process is expected to take at least two years to complete, followed by another three years for data analysis and publication of official figures.

“This means the results of the caste-wise census, as well as the general census, will only be available by 2031,” Rathod said. “By then, the term of the current Modi government will have ended, and the data will arrive too late to be of any use in the present five-year development plan.” Rathod further alleged that the government is merely trying to silence opposition demands for caste-based data without any intention of utilizing it effectively. “By announcing the caste-wise census now, the central government has only tried to wipe the mouths of the opposition,” he remarked.

He also questioned the government’s commitment to social justice, stating, “If the government truly wants to work for social welfare, they should allow state governments to carry out the caste census. State-level data can be compiled within six months, and that would actually contribute to timely socio-economic planning and development.” Rathod's comments reflect growing criticism from various quarters that, while the announcement of a caste-based census is politically significant, its delayed timeline makes it ineffective for current governance and planning.