This refers to the report that a final decision on the modalities of including caste in the census would be taken by the Cabinet (Aug. 13). If caste is included in the census, society will be further polarised. Caste conflicts will increase. Caste-based associations and parties will tend to misuse the data for petty gains and for vote-bank politics.
D.R. Sikander Singh,Patiala
Our basic aim of forming a casteless society has been thwarted. Under pressure, the government has agreed to include caste in the census. Now, political parties which claim to represent hundreds of castes across the country will restart the process of sowing the seeds of hatred.
K. Ramachandran,Tuticorin
The report “GoM approval for caste-based Census” (Aug. 12) made frustrating reading. No civilised person asks another what his caste is. But now the government plans to ask every citizen the question: “What is your caste?” Are we going forward or backward?
There are millions of people who eschewed caste and had inter-caste marriages with the aim of establishing a casteless society. There are conscientious objectors, members of progressive, social reform and human rights organisations who don't claim any caste. How is the question “What is your caste?” relevant to them? Count them too. Include the question: “Do you have a caste?”
D.G. Rama Rau,Hyderabad
The GoM's decision is welcome. India is a highly diversified society and stratified into numerous castes, tribes, religions, and cultures. Political parties choose their candidates on the basis of caste. Many of our policies are caste-based and there are growing demands from various groups for reservation. It is important for the government to know the actual headcount in different castes.
Vivek R. Jadhavar,Osmanabad
