Tamil Nadu Assembly Unanimously Passes Resolution Against 'Open-Column Method' for Caste Enumeration
Quick Brief
The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the central government to eliminate the 'open-column method' during the enumeration of Backward Classes (BCs), Most Backward Classes (MBCs), and Denotified Communities (DNCs). Under this disputed method, respondents self-declare their caste rather than selecting from a pre-determined list.
What Happened?
Lawmakers in the Tamil Nadu Assembly voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing the use of the open-column method for counting BCs, MBCs, and DNCs. The approach allows individuals to self-declare their caste identity freely, which enumerators then record instead of providing a structured, pre-defined selection list.
Why It Matters
The resolution addresses administrative and categorization concerns surrounding how marginalized and backward communities are tracked and accounted for by the central government, reflecting regional political consensus on precise demographic data collection.
Key Facts
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly adopted the resolution unanimously.
- The resolution targets the 'Open-Column Method' used by the Centre.
- The method involves respondents self-declaring their caste for enumerators to record.
- This contrasts with choosing a caste identity from a pre-defined list.
- The policy specifically concerns the enumeration of BCs, MBCs, and DNCs.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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