‘We the People’ Holds Symposium on Honest Caste Census 2027 in Delhi

New Delhi: A symposium titled “An Honest Caste Census in 2027 is Essential for the Rights and Entitlements of the Majority Community” was organised by ‘We the People’ at the Speaker Hall of the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on September 3. The event focused on the demand for an honest and transparent caste census in 2027. The participants called for the inclusion of Backward Classes (BCs) alongside the constitutional categories of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Question No. 10 of the 2027 Census questionnaire. They also demanded a state-wise drop-down list of castes for each of the three categories — SC, ST and BC to ensure comprehensive caste enumeration. The symposium saw participation from academics, social activists and representatives of various organisations from Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Among those present were Delhi University’s Dr Suraj Mandal and Dr Ratan Lal, Shambhu Kumar of National Dastak, Sunil Sardar from Maharashtra, Dr Laxman Yadav from Uttar Pradesh and Ramesh from Tamil Nadu.

Representing the Ambedkarite Mahila Manch, its General Secretary Shalini also participated in the programme and presented the organisation’s views on the caste census and the rights and representation of backward communities.

The participants stressed the importance of accurate and transparent caste enumeration and discussed the need for appropriate representation of Backward Classes in the 2027 Census. The event also called for greater clarity in the classification and recording of caste data across States. The organisers expressed special gratitude to Jyoti Mala for her contribution towards ensuring the smooth conduct of the programme.