7 min readNew DelhiMay 13, 2025 08:31 PM IST
First published on: May 13, 2025 at 08:31 PM IST
Among the Narendra Modi government’s most prominent Other Backward Class (OBC) faces, Dharmendra Pradhan calls himself a strong votary of a caste census, which the Centre announced last month would be conducted along with the next population Census. In an interview with The Indian Express, the Union Minister of Education, whose political career began with the RSS student wing ABVP, speaks about the caste census decision, its timing, and Congress position on the exercise. Excerpts:
* After the Pahalgam attack, when people were waiting for government action, there came the announcement of a caste census. The Congress and Rahul Gandhi have taken credit, pointing to the fact that they have been demanding it for some time.
Social justice is our conviction. It is a natural step forward. Since the days of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the precursor to the BJP), there is clarity on our approach towards social justice. Samajik samarasata (social harmony) is inbuilt in our concept of social justice. From Antyodaya to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, all are part of social justice. Our social justice reflects in every level from public policy to governance… Union Home Minister Amit Shahji has hinted since 2024 that caste would be counted. Now that the Census is going to be done, we have decided to hold a caste count as well.
Some people are just barsati mendak (opportunists). The Congress did not hold a caste census despite it being recommended by the Kaka Kalelkar Commission in 1955 and by the Mandal Commission in 1980… Caste count was not done along with the Census even in 2011 (under the UPA government), despite promises. The Congress’s own leaders opposed it. The Congress has never been honest on the caste census issue.
* So you are saying that the Modi government and BJP have been discussing caste census even before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls?
Such issues are always in discussion. There is an evolutionary process for every such decision. Every decision is taken at the right time. We don’t make such decisions by polarising the society, we do it with a balance. This was the right time for it. They (the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and other parties) are praising themselves (over it) because of a bankruptcy of ideas…
We could have done it in 2021 but the Census itself could not happen. That is why it could not be decided in 2024. That is why the decision is taken now, in 2025, when preparations for the Census are going on.
* In 2018, then Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had announced there would be a count of OBCs in the 2021 Census. Now there is going to be a caste census. What is the difference?
We don’t have caste data post-1931. This information is needed for balanced development of OBCs and balanced development of all castes. This (decision) has come through experience.
* Do you think had the government announced a caste census before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Opposition would not have reduced the BJP to short of a majority?
We never make such decisions considering any polls or politics… This is our commitment towards social justice… A huge number of people from deprived sections have benefited from Jan Dhan bank accounts, Ujjwala Yojana, rural housing, and other schemes. This government gave the National OBC Commission Constitutional status, we gave 10% reservation to the EWS in the general category.
There are parties run by families that function like a feudal system. But affirmative action is our policy, it’s not a political tool for us. Society always drives government policy. There were demands from many quarters for a caste census. Therefore, we took this decision.
* One problem in a caste census, particularly pertaining to OBCs, is the complexity of different Central and state lists.
I know there could be abnormalities and anomalies, as you are raising. But that is to be sorted out by professionals, Census officials.
* There is also a demand to raise the reservation ceiling beyond 50%.
Today we are discussing caste census… But, on other things, it is an evolutionary process.
* However, affirmative action in employment and admissions apart, the government has shown little inclusiveness in appointments for higher positions. For example, vice-chancellors of universities, something that comes under your ministry.
I can say that the Narendra Modi government has shown much inclusiveness, and affirmative action in higher positions. Before that, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs was created by then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji’s government. (A P J Abdul) Kalam saheb was elected President of India during Vajpayeeji’s regime. Since 2014, two Presidents have been elected, one (Ram Nath Kovind) is from a Scheduled Caste and the other (Droupadi Murmu) is from a Scheduled Tribe. Modiji himself is an OBC. A large number of our MPs, MLAs, Chief Ministers, ministers, party office-bearers are from deprived sections.
We appointed Professor Santishree Dhulipudi Panditji, who is an OBC, as the V-C of Jawaharlal Nehru University. We appointed Professor Shashikala Wanjari, who is an OBC, as the V-C of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration.
We always find a balance between merit and social justice.
* The creamy layer criteria for OBCs, which is supposed to be revised every three years, has not been revised since 2017.
This is revised by the government from time to time. It will be done in due course.
* What have we achieved through Operation Sindoor? What has changed since earlier operations on the border?
The Prime Minister has reiterated that talks and terror or talks and trade will not go on simultaneously. Military has shown so much valour in this Operation. We have fought wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, we have fought Kargil, but did we destroy Pakistan’s 11 air bases prior to Operation Sindoor? Did we kill the most wanted terrorists? The Prime Minister gave our forces a free hand and our Army, Air Force and Navy made us proud. This has given our country a new identity. The country’s identity is not decided on social media, it is not decided by global leaders. Pakistan came to its knees and, being a peaceful country, only then we decided on a ceasefire. The Congress never dealt with Pakistan-sponsored terror firmly. We are dealing with it firmly.
* The PM said there may be talks with Pakistan only on terror and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). What is the significance of PoK?
There are some issues related to the military. I am a civilian person. Some issues should be left to the military. (PoK) is not a matter to be discussed here.
"We never make such decisions considering any polls or politics… This is our commitment towards social justice…," Pradhan said. (Shyamlal Yadav) 
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