CASTE ENUMERATION

DMK not afraid of 'ordinary persons' like Modi, Shah: A Raja
DMK leader A Raja asserted that the BJP cannot gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu due to the Dravidian ideology, which serves as a counter to the saffron one. He dismissed Amit Shah's criticism of the DMK as lies and divisive, while also accusing the BJP of attempting to create communal rifts for political gain.

Despite '400 paar' setback in 2024, how Modi 3.0 at 11 is looking stronger than ever
Despite initial doubts after the 2024 elections, Narendra Modi's third term as Prime Minister appears stable, with strong support from allies. The BJP has rebounded with state election wins, while the Congress struggles to maintain momentum. Experts suggest Modi's leadership remains dominant, with no clear alternative in sight, as his government confidently advances its agenda.

HM Amit Shah made clear southern states' concerns on delimitation will be taken care of: MHA
Amit Shah assured that concerns of southern states will be addressed during delimitation. This statement came after M K Stalin voiced worries about the Census-linked delimitation. The Census, delayed due to COVID-19, is now set to commence. It will conclude by March 1, 2027. The government emphasizes that budget is not a constraint for the Census.

RJD Leader Tejashwi writes to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, seeks fresh quota laws
Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader, urges Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for a special assembly session to enact new laws, aiming to raise quotas for weaker sections to 85%. He proposes sending these laws to the Centre for inclusion in the Constitution's ninth schedule, drawing inspiration from Tamil Nadu's 69% quota.

Census to begin Feb 2027, March 1 set as reference date
India's 16th Census is set for October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas and March 1, 2027, elsewhere. The Home Ministry plans to issue a notification by June 16, 2025. Caste enumeration will occur alongside the census. The Congress party criticizes the delay, alleging the Modi government's failure to meet deadlines. The last census was in 2011.

Caste census exercise to start from March 1, 2027 across country
India will conduct a nationwide caste census starting March 1, 2027, with hilly states beginning earlier on October 1, 2026. The Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the upcoming national census. This decision marks a shift from the 2010 approach, where a separate Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted instead.
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New jobs, sewerage projects, VAT cut on aviation fuel: Nitish Kumar Cabinet approves 47 Key proposals for Bihar
Nitish Kumar led a cabinet meeting in Bihar. Forty-seven proposals got approval. These included infrastructure projects and new government jobs. A sewerage project for Sasaram, Aurangabad, and Siwan was approved. A water supply scheme for Ara, Siwan, and Sasaram also received clearance. VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel reduced. A dry dock in Dujra, Patna will be built.
Day after PM lauds caste census decision, Cong takes swipe at him with two videos
Following PM Narendra Modi's support for a caste census, Congress has attacked him. They shared old videos of Modi criticizing the idea. Jairam Ramesh highlighted Modi's past statements against caste-based surveys. BJP defended the census, stating it aligns with their goal of uplifting marginalized communities. The central government recently announced the inclusion of caste details in the upcoming census.
NDA hails PM Modi on Operation Sindoor, backs caste census
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated caste enumeration aims to mainstream marginalized groups. He highlighted Operation Sindoor as an example of self-reliant India. Modi urged people to explore India instead of foreign destinations. BJP President J P Nadda said the NDA seeks to include the deprived into the mainstream, not engage in caste politics.
PM Modi asks NDA govts in states to adopt best governance practices
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that caste enumeration aligns with his government's inclusive development model, aiming to integrate marginalized communities. BJP President J P Nadda clarified that while the NDA doesn't engage in caste politics, enumeration aids those lagging in various sectors.
PM Modi, Union ministers attend NDA CMs' meet
A significant meeting of NDA leaders commenced in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key ministers participated. Discussions included Operation Sindoor, caste enumeration, and governance. The conclave will address the Modi government's anniversary. International Yoga Day and the Emergency's anniversary are also on the agenda. Chief Ministers will present their state initiatives.
Operation Sindoor, caste enumeration, Modi govt's anniversary in agenda of NDA CMs meet
New Delhi is set to host a significant NDA conclave. Chief Ministers and Deputy CMs will gather to discuss good governance. Operation Sindoor and caste enumeration are key agenda items. The meeting will also address the Modi government's upcoming anniversary. Discussions will include best practices from various NDA states.
Caste enumeration in census exercise: No need to tweak law, say officials
The Census Act of 1948 permits caste data collection. Previous British India censuses included all castes. Independent India stopped this, except for Scheduled Castes and Tribes. States could survey OBCs. Now, the government plans to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. Information shared is confidential. The census was delayed due to Covid-19. It will start soon.
Former PM Deve Gowda attacks Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah over caste census
HD Deve Gowda criticized Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for not acting on caste census demands during his tenure, despite having ample opportunity. Gowda affirmed his party's support for the Union government's caste-based enumeration, contrasting it with Siddaramaiah's past inaction.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah takes up Scheduled Caste census ahead of giving internal quota
Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah initiated a scheduled caste census. The aim is to determine the population across 101 sub-castes. It will assess their economic, educational, and social backwardness. This precedes introducing an internal quota. A team of teachers will gather information through door-to-door visits and special camps. Online registrations will also be available.
Announce timeline, details of caste survey; remove 50 pc cap on reservation: Congress
The Congress party presses the government for a clear caste survey plan. They want the 50% reservation limit removed. The party also seeks Article 15(5) implementation for private schools. Anil Jaihind highlights past efforts during Manmohan Singh's tenure. Rajesh Lilothia criticizes the existing reservation cap. Vikrant Bhuria questions the BJP's motives regarding the caste census.
Karnataka government begins statewide caste census for Scheduled Castes (SC)
Karnataka government initiated a caste census targeting Scheduled Castes from May 5-17, overseen by Justice Nagamohan Das, to gather detailed sub-caste demographics. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the survey's aim to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits following a Supreme Court ruling.
Project Caste Census move as victory of Rahul Gandhi-led campaign, AICC tells party units
The All India Congress Committee directs its units to promote the party's role in advocating for a caste census. Focus is on Rahul Gandhi's leadership. The party aims to counter the Modi government's potential credit-taking. Congress emphasizes its commitment to caste enumeration. It also focuses on reservation policies. These efforts are part of the 'Samvidhan Bachao' rallies.
PM Modi made 'desperate U-turn' on caste census: Congress
The Congress party accuses Prime Minister Modi of a sudden reversal on the caste census issue, highlighting past statements and government affidavits opposing it. They question the honesty and reasons behind this policy shift, demanding a timeline for the census.
Caste Census: Ambedkar's call for limiting reservation to minimum likely to be violated
Caste, a social structure in India, is now central to politics. Parties analyze caste composition before candidate selection. The Union Cabinet will conduct a caste census. This census requires a Register of Castes and a 'casteless' option. Past surveys increased reservation demands. Breaching the 50% reservation limit may cause social unrest.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah urges PM to introduce quota in private sector
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement a quota system in the private sector. He also advocated for the removal of the 50% reservation cap through constitutional amendment. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the central government's allocation of funds for caste enumeration. He deemed the allocated amount insufficient for a comprehensive enumeration, even in Uttar Pradesh.
Caste census: BJP's measured pivot and political calculations
Facing electoral realignments, the BJP aims to regain support from non-dominant OBCs and Dalits after the 2024 elections by endorsing a nationwide caste census. This strategic move seeks to counter state-led initiatives and consolidate data-driven policymaking at the national level. By leading the caste census initiative, the BJP aims to reinforce Modi's pro-subaltern image and build a broader social coalition.
BJP has had a long history of being reluctant to conduct caste census. So, what changed?
The central government decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. This decision sparked political debate. Opposition parties, like Congress, claimed credit for pushing the government. BJP leaders countered, blaming Congress for past inaction on the issue. The government had previously opposed caste enumeration. RSS expressed concerns about using the census for political purposes.
NDA hails move; Opposition sees win on caste census
Political parties across India welcome the decision to include caste in the upcoming census. Leaders like Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu express support, emphasizing its potential for data-driven policies and inclusive governance. While some view it as politically motivated ahead of Bihar elections, others see it as a victory for marginalized communities and a step towards social justice.
Next Steps: Union Cabinet to decide on commission, terms for caste census
Following the caste census announcement, the Union Cabinet is expected to establish a commission to determine the castes and sub-castes for inclusion in the upcoming decadal census. An alternative approach involves utilizing the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011-12 data, potentially enhanced with AI and big data analytics.
Cabinet calls for caste count in next census
The NDA government has decided to include caste enumeration in India's next census, a significant political move ahead of upcoming elections. Union minister Ashwani Vaishnaw criticized the opposition, alleging past Congress governments opposed a caste census. The census will capture data on OBCs, household information, and access to resources, aiming for transparency and social equity.
Govt gave headline but where is deadline: Congress on Centre's caste census move
The Congress party criticized the government's decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making announcements without deadlines. Congress questions the government's intentions and demands a clear timeline for the census. They also called for the removal of the 50 percent cap on reservations through a Constitutional Amendment.
Counting means not shooting in the dark
The Cabinet's approval to include caste enumeration in the general census is a welcome step towards addressing data gaps and countering politically-charged narratives. Accurate caste data is crucial for informed policymaking and resource allocation, enabling better assessment of scheme impacts and needs. Transparent data collection and analysis are essential to minimize politicization and ensure effective utilization.
Telangana first state to conduct caste survey based on Rahul Gandhi's vision: Revanth Reddy
Telangana's Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy hailed the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the national census, crediting Rahul Gandhi's vision and Telangana's prior caste survey as inspiration. The state's survey revealed that 56.32% of the population belongs to Backward Castes, leading to proposed reservations.
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