Maulana Mahmood Madani Supports Caste Census, Says Data Will Help In Better Governance

President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani has supported the proposed caste-based census in India, describing it as vital for achieving justice, equitable governance, and fair distribution of resources.

In a statement on Monday, Madani asserted that the exercise goes beyond administrative formality. "It is now a pressing social and political necessity," he said, underscoring the importance of caste data in shaping policies related to reservations, social welfare, and developmental initiatives.

Madani highlighted that a comprehensive and accurate caste census would help identify and support marginalized communities who have historically been excluded from the benefits of government schemes.

Appeal to the Muslim Community

Calling for full cooperation from the Muslim population, Madani urged Muslim households to participate actively and ensure their caste identity is accurately recorded. He emphasized that such data is essential for framing policies that address the needs of backward and underrepresented Muslim communities.

He further encouraged local units of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, religious institutions, and Muslim leaders to take the lead in spreading awareness about the long-term benefits of the census and to assist people in the enumeration process.

Balancing Faith and Social Realities

Responding to possible religious concerns, Madani clarified that supporting a caste-based census does not contradict Islamic teachings. "While Islam preaches equality, the socio-economic realities of Indian Muslims reveal deep disparities," he said. He stressed that acknowledging these disparities through data is a moral and constitutional obligation.

A Message to the Government

Maulana Madani also called on the central government to conduct the caste census with "transparency, fairness, and seriousness," cautioning against any form of bias or discrimination during the process.

"We demand that the government treat this as a matter of national importance, guaranteeing that the outcomes of this exercise lead to meaningful change for the most vulnerable," he said.