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New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily on Monday said there is need for a caste-based census, but asserted that it was not possible at the present stage, as the process has just begun.

“Now the census (2011) has already started and formats are being finalised. So how it would be done at this stage,” said Moily outside the Parliament.”I had written to the Prime Minister six months back for it (caste-based census),” he added.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also demanding caste-based census in the country.

“After 1931, no caste-based data was prepared and the Centre also does not have any caste-based data of its own. Government depends upon states for it,” said Moily.

“It is required for implementation of different schemes and employment programmes for the OBCs,” he added.

Demanding for a caste based census keeping especially backward sections in mind, the Samajwadi Party on April 20 targeted the centre for conspiring against interest of OBCs.

Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, which was all set to launch census in February 2011 have ill intentions in denying to conduct it on caste basis.

Stressing that caste based census was instrumental in formulating the government schemes, targeting sections lacking in development, Yadav said, several welfare schemes meant for backward castes and minorities initiated after independence were based on 1931 census which was carried on caste basis. (ANI)