Assam: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi Demands Caste Census in Assam, Following Bihar and Rajasthan Models

GUWAHATI: In a significant move, Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Gaurav Gogoi has called for a caste-based census in the northeastern state of Assam, aligning it with the models implemented in Bihar and Rajasthan. Gogoi made this demand while addressing a gathering organized by a prominent Tai Ahom youth organization in Golaghat district, Assam.

Highlighting the need for a caste census, Gaurav Gogoi, who represents the Koliabor constituency in Assam, emphasized the importance of ensuring dignity and justice for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority communities in the region.

This proposal follows a similar initiative undertaken by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who announced that his Congress-ruled state would conduct a caste-based census, mirroring the efforts in Bihar. Bihar, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, recently released its caste survey report, which sent shockwaves through national politics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

According to the Bihar caste survey, more than 63% of the state's population comprises various backward classes. The data reveals that the OBC population in Bihar stands at 27.13%, while the extremely backward class (EBC) constitutes 36.01% of the population. The Scheduled Caste (SC) population in Bihar is reported to be 19.65%, with the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population at 1.68%.

The Bihar caste survey findings have significantly influenced the national political landscape, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) facing increased pressure from opposition parties. The Indian bloc of opposition parties, including the Congress, welcomed the results of Bihar's caste census and urged the central government to consider a similar nationwide exercise.

Gaurav Gogoi's call for a caste-based census in Assam underscores the growing momentum for such surveys in various states. This development could have far-reaching implications for social justice and political dynamics in Assam, as it seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic and demographic composition of the state's population.

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