RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav
Credit: PTI Photo
Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stressing the need to remove the cap on reservations and ensure quota in the private sector as well.
“Conducting the caste census is merely the first step of the long journey towards social justice. The census data must lead to a comprehensive review of social protection and reservation policies. The arbitrary cap on reservations will also have to be reconsidered,” said Yadav.
“The private sector, which has been a major beneficiary of public resources, cannot remain insulated from social justice imperatives. Companies have received substantial benefits — land at concessional rates, power subsidies, tax exemptions, infrastructure support and various financial incentives — all funded by tax-payer money. In return, it is entirely reasonable to expect them to reflect the social composition of the country. The context created by the caste census must be used to have open conversations about inclusivity and diversity in the private sector across organisational hierarchies,” said Tejashwi.
“Prime Minister, your government now stands at a historic crossroads. The decision to conduct the caste census can be a transformative moment in our nation’s journey towards equality. The question is: Will the data be used as a catalyst for systemic reforms, or will it be confined to dusty archives like many previous commission reports,” Tejashwi wrote with 'cautious optimism'.
Tejashwi told the prime minister how the Bihar caste survey, which revealed that OBCs (other backward classes) and EBCs (extremely backward classes) constitute around 63% of the state’s population, shattered many myths perpetuated to maintain the status quo.
“Similar patterns are likely to emerge nationwide. I am sure that the revelation that disadvantaged communities form the overwhelming majority of our population while remaining severely under-represented in positions of power will create a demographic awakening transcending political boundary,” said Tejashwi, and assured the PM of “constructive cooperation in utilising the census findings for genuine social transformation.”