Resolution calls for scrapping ‘open column’ approach for accurate data collection.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Central Government to discontinue the ‘open column’ method for caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. The unanimous resolution emphasizes the need for a more structured and scientifically sound approach to data collection.
The current ‘open column’ system allows individuals to self-declare their caste without specific pre-defined categories, which the state government believes can lead to inconsistencies and significant challenges in data analysis and classification. This could potentially hinder the accurate assessment of socio-economic indicators across various communities.
Proponents of the resolution argue that a revised methodology, incorporating clear and standardized categories, is essential for obtaining comprehensive and reliable data. Such data is deemed crucial for effective policy formulation, the equitable allocation of resources, and the targeted implementation of social welfare schemes aimed at addressing historical disparities.
This move highlights Tamil Nadu’s consistent stance on the importance of a robust caste census as a foundational tool for promoting social justice and ensuring inclusive development across the state and the nation.
Tags: tamil nadu assembly, caste census, union government, social justice, census methodology, chennai news