RSS: Back caste data for welfare, not politics

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 2

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday said it favoured collection of caste-wise data for welfare purposes, but not for politics. Backing constitutionally guaranteed reservations, the Sangh, ruling BJP’s ideological mentor, advised caution on apex court recent remarks for a creamy layer among Scheduled Castes who enjoy a 15 per cent constitutional quota in government jobs and education avenues.

Opposition’s caste census push was among issues the RSS discussed with its affiliates over a three-day conclave that ended in Kerala’s Palakkad today, with the meeting urging review of criminal laws to fast track rape trials and regulation of online content that, it said, catalyzes crimes as per available evidence. Speaking on the outcomes of the conclave where top RSS functionaries met BJP senior brass for the first time since national election results, Sangh’s all-India communications chief Sunil Ambekar downplayed differences with the ruling party.

“The RSS will mark its 100th year in 2025. Throughout this period, we have been inspired by just one philosophy of nation first. In such a long journey, functional matters arise but we have both informal and formal meetings to resolve those. These are family matters. All is well between us,” Ambekar said when asked if the Sangh and the BJP had ironed out differences. Ambekar also said all 32 RSS affiliates expressed concern over the horrifying rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital.

“There is a need to revisit the penal provisions to ensure fast tracking of rape trials and delivery of justice to victims. This is an alarming issue and the conclave concluded that we have to take up this issue on five fronts - legally, by creating awareness among society to prevent such crimes, inculcate family values to nip criminal tendencies, ensure formal/informal education on sensitivity of the subject, promote self defence from school onwards and regulate online content. It has been seen that those creating such havoc have often watched online content for long,” Ambekar said.

On RSS’ caste census stand, the top functionary termed the issue as highly sensitive. “This is a highly sensitive issue with import for national unity and integrity. It should not be seen from a political prism. The government can collect caste data to expand welfare schemes, but such data should not be a tool for electoral politics,” Ambekar said.