Bengaluru, May 1 (Reporter) Access to caste-based data is essential for ensuring social justice and equitable distribution of rights, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar said on Thursday, welcoming the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste census. "Every section of society, irrespective of caste or community, must have access to data about their rights," Shivakumar told reporters here. "It is essential that this data is made public and used to systematically establish and ensure their rightful entitlements." He said the Congress party had long advocated for a caste census and demanded a clear timeframe for its implementation. "Our leader Rahul Gandhi has already welcomed the Centre’s decision. The Congress is fully committed to the principles of social justice," he said. Shivakumar added that Congress governments would fully cooperate with the process and extend all support to strengthen systems that deliver justice to all communities...////...