MK Stalin demands resolution in TN assembly for proper caste census

DMK President MK Stalin. | Photo credit: M.VEDHAN

DMK president and former chief minister MK Stalin on Sunday urged the state government to pass a resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly urging the Center to conduct a proper caste census to ascertain the socio-economic status of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the country, develop an appropriate reservation policy and ensure the empowerment of OBCs.

In a message on social media, he said that the objective of the caste census could be achieved only if the census is conducted on the basis of the list of communities prepared by the central and state governments.

He said the “open-ended format for recording caste details without a pre-determined drop-down list or standardized menu” as announced by the Center was disappointing. The explanation that the communities mentioned in the OBC list were not castes but classes was also not acceptable, he said.

Mr. Stalin said the Center should consult the State Governments and collect details of the castes listed under the Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes categories. People should be given an opportunity to choose their caste from a combined list, he said.

“If castes are grouped on the basis of people’s suggestions, it will only create confusion. As already pointed out by those concerned with social justice, it will lead to claims regarding 46 lakh communities,” he said.

“Waste of money, work”

Mr. Stalin said that if the current method was followed, it would result in loss of ₹12,000 crore and the work of government employees. “It will not offer any benefits and will only be an eyewash,” he said.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 22:25 IST