The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Thursday said it does not oppose caste census, but the census should be used for the all-encompassing progress of the society.

“Recently, a discussion around caste census has started again. We believe it must be used for all-encompassing progress of the society, and while doing so all sides must ensure that social harmony and integrity is not disturbed,” RSS national publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar said in a statement.

“RSS has been continuously working with the goal of creating a Hindu society free of any discrimination, and based on harmony and social justice. It is true that because of historical reasons several sections of the society got left behind economically, socially and educationally. Several governments have made provisions for their progress and empowerment from time to time. The RSS completely supports them,” he added.

This comes days after Shridhar Gadge, one of the RSS’s functionaries, opposed the caste census on December 19 and had said the caste census may benefit some people politically but it would not be desirable socially and in terms of national unity.