'There is need for caste-based census to figure out community-wise population': Ramdas Athawale

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said that there is a need for a caste-based census in the country, which will help the needy avail social, economic, and academic benefits.

"There is a need for a caste-based census to figure out the community-wise population. This will also help avail social, economic & academic benefits to the needy," Athawale was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The Union Minister also stressed upon increasing the reservation so that socially and economically backward people can avail its benefit. He said the amount of reservation should not exceed 50 per cent as per rules, but there is a need to increase the quota for social justice.

Athawale also pointed out that the intent behind introducing reservation was to empower people socially and economically but those who are well-off are using it mostly. There is a need to stop such a trend, he explained.

Meanwhile, Athawale on Friday said that a `Maha Yuti' (grand coalition) government of former allies BJP and Shiv Sena and others can be formed in Maharashtra by sharing the chief minister's post with the Sena for half the term.

"I discussed this issue with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and it will also be discussed in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon," said the Republican Party of India leader, who is part of the ruling NDA at the Centre.

(With inputs from Agencies)