New Delhi (PTI): Various political parties, including UPA allies PMK, SP and RJD, on Monday asked the Centre to initiate measures to launch a nation-wide caste census in 2011, saying such a move would bring clarity on the issue of keeping out the creamy layer among OBCs from the purview of reservation.

The leaders, speaking at a seminar on the issue organised by PMK here, stressed the need for a caste-wise census and urged the Centre to initiate the process.

Addressing the seminar, PMK Founder S Ramadoss said he would embark on a nation-wide campaign to arouse the "consciousness of the nation" on this vital issue concerning the people.

"We ask the Central Government to launch a nation-wide caste-wise census in the forthcoming population census of 2011. The Centre need not strain too much on this, but only has to add one column to the census questionnaire prepared for the purpose," he said.

The Samajwadi Party was represented by its Parliamentary Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, while RJD leader Devendra Prasad Yadav participated on behalf of his party.

Ramadoss rued that despite frequent pleas made by his party and other social organisations, there have been no move by the Government in conducting a caste-wise census.

Recalling the Supreme Court's observation that without a comprehensive and scientific data of different sections of the population the Government cannot bring statutory amendments for reservation in jobs and education, Ramadoss said it is high time the administration should order a caste wise enumeration of India's population.

"If the caste-wise census is undertaken, the data will help us to form an idea about the level of development, backwardness, poverty level of different castes," he said.

Ramadoss said at present, there are conflicting estimates and conclusions about the exact population of OBCs and the castes included under the community.

"This stresses the need for a caste-wise census," he said.

Accusing the media of being blind to issues related to social justice, the PMK leader demanded there should be reservation in that sector too.

Extending support to the Telangana statehood movement, Ramadoss said his party had always supported the idea of carving out small states from bigger ones.

Ram Gopal Yadav said the caste-wise census will be vital for the uplift of OBCs and other under-privileged sections of society.

Devendra Prasad Yadav said his party is ready to go any extent to ensure social justice for all sections of society.

Congress MPs Sudharsana Natchiappan, Karan Singh Yadav, Telangana leader T Devender Gowd and other leaders also attended the seminar.