Mumbai, April 30 -- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste in the forthcoming census, asserting that the move will truly open the doors to social justice.

Speaking to ANI, Shinde termed the decision a "historic one."

"The decision taken by the Prime Minister to conduct a caste census is a very significant one. It is a historic decision, and Shiv Sena welcomes it. This decision will truly open the doors to social justice. It will help bridge the economic, social, and educational disparities. We will gain insight into the true condition of the people. It will become easier to formulate welfare schemes," he said.

"Since independence, this is the only such major decision...