CHENNAI: DMK president M Karunanidhi on Monday demanded the release of caste census as it would be helpful to raise the quantum of reservation for the backward communities and people belonging to the SC/ST communities, besides formulating schemes for their economic progress.
In a statement here, Karunanidhi said the Centre's reluctance to release the caste data would not benefit the backward communities. He also cited the statement of CPM politburo that the caste census be subjected to an analysis and the PMK's resolution in this regard. Referring to the protest announced by RJD leader Lalu Prasad, he also drew attention to the Congress' charge that the Centre should not try to conceal the caste data. He also asked why the Centre was hesitating to release the caste census data.
The DMK leader referred to the number of families without land and depending on daily labour and the number of families living in a single room. He also expressed concern over the number of families involved in garbage collection and begging.