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Politics
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gahlot calls caste census process flawed, demands inclusion of ‘Pichda Varg’ term
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jaipur
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 05:36 PM
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Ashok Gahlot, former chief minister of Rajasthan, criticised the ongoing caste census for procedural errors and the omission of the term ‘Pichda Varg’, urging authorities to revise the methodology.
Jaipur, Aug 25 (ANI) – Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gahlot said the state’s caste‑based census is riddled with procedural flaws. Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, he questioned the credibility of the exercise, which aims to update demographic data on scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes.
Gahlot pointed out that the official questionnaire does not even contain the term “Pichda Varg,” a phrase commonly used to denote socially and economically disadvantaged groups. He argued that omitting this terminology undermines the purpose of the survey and could lead to inaccurate representation of the target population.
The former leader called for an immediate review of the census framework, urging the state government to incorporate the missing terminology and address any methodological gaps before the data collection proceeds further. He warned that a flawed count could affect policy decisions and the allocation of welfare resources.
The Rajasthan government has not yet responded to Gahlot’s remarks, and the census is scheduled to commence later this month.
Gahlot pointed out that the official questionnaire does not even contain the term “Pichda Varg,” a phrase commonly used to denote socially and economically disadvantaged groups. He argued that omitting this terminology undermines the purpose of the survey and could lead to inaccurate representation of the target population.
The former leader called for an immediate review of the census framework, urging the state government to incorporate the missing terminology and address any methodological gaps before the data collection proceeds further. He warned that a flawed count could affect policy decisions and the allocation of welfare resources.
The Rajasthan government has not yet responded to Gahlot’s remarks, and the census is scheduled to commence later this month.