The Government today said that the caste will be canvassed in the Census without affecting the integrity of the head count. The leader of the Lok Sabha Mr. Pranab Mukherjee assured the Lok Sabha that views of all the political parties will be kept in mind on the process and mechanism to be adopted for the purpose. He said that the Cabinet is yet to take a decision on the issue and the house will be informed about it at an appropriate time. Earlier the House was adjourned till noon following uproar by the opposition over the reported decision of a Group of Ministers to include caste in census at the biometric stage. The RJD leader Lalu Prasad claimed that the inclusion of caste in census at the biometric stage amounted to befooling the people. The JD(U) leader said if this is done the exercise cannot be completed in 100 years. He was backed by others and BJP, BSP, SP, RJD members who were raising slogans in favour of headcount of every citizen on caste basis. In the din, Trinamool Congress members led by Sudip Bandopadhyay were also on their feet trying to raise the issue of attempt on the life of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee a few days back. As pandemonium continued, the Speaker adjourned the house till 12 o clock.
News On AIR | August 12, 2010 7:38 PM
Views of all political parties will be kept in mind regarding inclusion of caste in census: Govt