Caste census: GoM extends date as BJP, Cong dither

With only seven parties responding to its communication on the caste-based census, the Group of Ministers (GoM) has extended the deadline for submitting the views on the issue.

With only seven parties responding to its communication on the caste-based census, the Group of Ministers (GoM) has extended the deadline for submitting the views on the issue.

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The GoM, which was expected to finalise its report by August 6, is awaiting responses from other political parties, including the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP.

While the BJP is meeting on Friday to formulate its stand, there are indications that the Congress might not even respond to the GoM letter.

But officially, the Congress maintained that it would come out with its stand on the matter once the discussions are completed.

“My party is waiting for the discussions to continue. We will come out with our considered view on it after all the discussions are completed,” party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan said.

When asked that the deadline set by the GoM is nearing, she said: “Our stand is ready to be shared”.

The seven parties that have submitted their views include Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party.

The issue has divided both the Congress and the UPA government. Law minister Veerappa Moily and Water Resources Minister Pawan Bansal are supporting the caste count while others like Sports Minister M.S. Gill, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal are opposed to the idea.

As part of consensus building within the party, the Congress is preparing a draft paper on the issue in consultations with senior leaders, experts, lawyers and academics.