DK stages demonstration for caste-based census

K. Veeramani, President, Draviva kazhagam and members staging a demonstration in Thanjavur on Monday insisting the government to take caste based census. Photo: M. Srinath

Members of Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) staged a demonstration here demanding caste-based census to be taken in 2011. K. Veeramani, general secretary of DK, Rajagiri G. Thangarasu, executive president of the party, R. Gunaseakaran, deputy general secretary of the party, C. Amarsingh, Thanjavur district president, participated in the agitation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Veeramani said that caste is mentioned in the constitution itself. So there is nothing wrong in asking for a caste-based census. The Union Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, has assured that the Union Cabinet will take a decision on taking caste-based census soon. He said that the agitation has been organised to implement the decision.

Though DK is for eradication of caste system, social justice should be ensured as long as caste system prevails. In such a situation caste-based census is essential.

Political parties cutting across party lines supported this view in the parliament. Even the BJP has supported this view. There may not be any problem in including a column for caste in the schedule.

Karur

Cadres of the Dravidar Kazhagam staged a demonstration here on Monday to highlight their demand for conducting caste census to enumerate the population caste wise for determining and achieving equitable social development.

The Dravidar Kazhagam district president, M.K. Rajasekaran, led the demonstration held in front of the Taluk Office on the Jawahar Bazar in which the office-bearers and public participated.