Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again advocated for a caste survey and an economic review to ascertain who possesses how much wealth and asserted that this will be the first task of the INDIA bloc if it is voted to power.Addressing students at “Nyay Manch – Ab India Bolega” in the national capital, Gandhi said an INDIA bloc government will also abolish the Agniveer scheme and compensate the 1.5 lakh youngsters who were selected but not given entry into the armed forces.”What is happening today is that OBCs are being fooled and a lot is being told to them but the main issue of how much wealth is lying with whom is not known,” he added.
Tag: OBCs
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Congress will increase reservation quota beyond 50 percent, claims Jairam Ramesh – The Economic Times Video
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue of increasing the reservation beyond 50 percent. Jairam Ramesh asked will the BJP remove this 50 percent limit or not. In India, reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in legislatures, higher education, and public employment cannot exceed 50% of the total seats and this limit has been in place since a Supreme Court judgment in 1992.Jairam Ramesh said, “I have only one question for the PM and Home Minister the current limit of reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs is 50 percent. Will you remove this 50 percent limit or not? We have clearly said in our ‘Nyay Patra’ that we will increase the limit beyond 50 percent.”
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Bihar to conduct two-phase caste census from January 7
Express News Service
PATNA: The much-hyped caste-based census in Bihar, which is likely to give a major push to Mandal politics, will begin in Bihar from January 7. The exercise will be held in two phases. In the first phase, the number of all households will be counted in the state. In the second phase, starting from March, enumerators will collect data related to people of all castes and sub castes and religions. They will also record information about the financial status of all people.
On the basis of the caste basis headcount, the state government will formulate policies considering their population and economic status, government sources said. According to a notification issued by the state general administration department, the first phase of the census will be completed by January 21. Enumerators will also undergo training for the purpose from December 15.
The Bihar cabinet has extended the deadline for completing the exercise of caste-based headcount in the state by three months, to May 2023. The state government will spend 500 crore from its contingency fund for the exercise. The issue of caste-based census in Bihar snowballed into a major political plank after the Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai had made it clear in Lok Sabha in July 2021 that no caste-wise census except for SCs and STs would be conducted.
In the seven censuses conducted so far since independence, data related to only SCs and STs have been published. In the absence of data related to other castes, it becomes difficult to estimate the population of OBCs correctly. The former VP Singh government which had given reservation to OBCs had also fixed reservation quota for them on the basis of the 1931 census, the last caste-based census in the country.
In the 1931 census, the population of OBCs was estimated to be 52 per cent. The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre had conducted the socio-economic and caste census in 2011 but the caste data was not released. The state legislature had passed two unanimous resolutions, in 2018 and 2019, in favour of a caste-based count.
Those demanding caste-based census contend that SCs and STs were given the benefits of reservation on the basis of their population but the reservation quota for OBCs had not been fixed similarly. They argue that on the basis of findings of the caste-based census, the reservation quota fixed for the OBCs could be accordingly revised.
In an all-party meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on June 1, 2022, on the issue of caste census, it was unanimously decided that the castes and sub-castes of all religions will be counted in Bihar. The Chief Minister had said that the purpose of conducting caste-based enumeration is to take people forward so that no one in the state is neglected.
Included: Religion, caste and sub-caste In the first phase, the number of all households will be counted in the state. In the second phase, starting from March, enumerators will collect data related to people of all castes and sub-castes and religions. They will also record information about the financial status of all people.
PATNA: The much-hyped caste-based census in Bihar, which is likely to give a major push to Mandal politics, will begin in Bihar from January 7. The exercise will be held in two phases. In the first phase, the number of all households will be counted in the state. In the second phase, starting from March, enumerators will collect data related to people of all castes and sub castes and religions. They will also record information about the financial status of all people.
On the basis of the caste basis headcount, the state government will formulate policies considering their population and economic status, government sources said. According to a notification issued by the state general administration department, the first phase of the census will be completed by January 21. Enumerators will also undergo training for the purpose from December 15.
The Bihar cabinet has extended the deadline for completing the exercise of caste-based headcount in the state by three months, to May 2023. The state government will spend 500 crore from its contingency fund for the exercise. The issue of caste-based census in Bihar snowballed into a major political plank after the Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai had made it clear in Lok Sabha in July 2021 that no caste-wise census except for SCs and STs would be conducted.
In the seven censuses conducted so far since independence, data related to only SCs and STs have been published. In the absence of data related to other castes, it becomes difficult to estimate the population of OBCs correctly. The former VP Singh government which had given reservation to OBCs had also fixed reservation quota for them on the basis of the 1931 census, the last caste-based census in the country.
In the 1931 census, the population of OBCs was estimated to be 52 per cent. The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre had conducted the socio-economic and caste census in 2011 but the caste data was not released. The state legislature had passed two unanimous resolutions, in 2018 and 2019, in favour of a caste-based count.
Those demanding caste-based census contend that SCs and STs were given the benefits of reservation on the basis of their population but the reservation quota for OBCs had not been fixed similarly. They argue that on the basis of findings of the caste-based census, the reservation quota fixed for the OBCs could be accordingly revised.
In an all-party meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on June 1, 2022, on the issue of caste census, it was unanimously decided that the castes and sub-castes of all religions will be counted in Bihar. The Chief Minister had said that the purpose of conducting caste-based enumeration is to take people forward so that no one in the state is neglected.
Included: Religion, caste and sub-caste
In the first phase, the number of all households will be counted in the state. In the second phase, starting from March, enumerators will collect data related to people of all castes and sub-castes and religions. They will also record information about the financial status of all people.
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INTERVIEW | Not only OBCs, all castes should be counted in census: Ramdas Athawale
Express News Service
The Centre last week gave an extension to a panel examining sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for another six months. This is the 13th extension since its formation in 2017. Former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court G Rohini, thus, has time until January 31, 2023 for the gigantic work.
The demand for the sub-categorization stems from the fact that only a handful of total OBC communities get a major chunk of the reserved jobs and seats in educational institutes.
In an interview to Preetha Nair, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale speaks about the status of the Rohini Commission and the need for a nationwide caste census.
Excerpts from the interview:
The Commission’s tenure is extended until next year. Why is the report delayed?The Rohini Commission was formed by the Social Justice Ministry in 2017 to subcategorize around 5,000 sub-castes among the OBCs. It is an arduous task to ensure equitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities in the category of Central list of OBCs. The commission is still studying various aspects of it. Since it is a complex subject, the commission has to consult states.
The impression is that only a section of affluent OBCs gets a lion’s share of the benefits. Is the government wary of losing support of certain OBCs?I am not aware of the findings of the Commission. Once its report is ready, it has to be discussed with states. The recommendations also need the approval of the Cabinet. Though the panel’s initial mandate was to examine the distribution of reservation benefits at the Central level, its terms of reference were expanded later. It is not an easy job.
The BJP ally JD-U will conduct a caste-based census in Bihar. Your party, the RPI, too, has demanded a nationwide caste census…I have always supported caste census. My party’s position is that not only OBCs, all castes should be counted. This will provide clear data on the caste-based marginalization and deprivation. Once all castes are enumerated, we will be able to formulate schemes for the most deprived.
Does the caste survey conducted by states have any constitutional validity since Census is under Union List?States can do surveys. Unlike the Census, it’s not legally bound. State governments are trying to enumerate the OBC population so that there is equitable distribution of welfare schemes. Many NDA allies have demanded a caste-based census. The government should consider the demand. In Bihar, there are political compulsions.
The Centre has ruled out a caste census, saying caste-based enumeration is not feasible.That is the position of the government. My party has always stood for caste-based census. As an MP, I have raised the issue in Parliament many times and demanded the government take an immediate decision. There are apprehensions that caste-based census will lead to more casteism. That’s not the case.
Why do you root for caste-based census?A caste census will help identify the economically and socially deprived sections. Once the data is available, we can design more programmes for them. There is a perception that OBC accounts for 52 per cent of the total population. However, we need to have a clear estimate.
Is there a fear of the repeat of Mandal politics if caste census is conducted?When the Mandal Commission recommendations came out, the general category protested because they felt that they would lose out on reservations. Now that the NDA government has provided 10 per cent reservation to the EWS, we shouldn’t be seeing such outrage.
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As parties unite for caste census, Bihar BJP to meet people with works done for OBCs
Express News Service
PATNA: Amid the growing dissension among the NDA allies with backup from opposition on the caste census, Bihar BJP’s OBC Morcha resolved on Tuesday to reach the people of OBCs with the works done for them by the BJP government in Centre or State.
Attending the meeting of Patna Mahanagar OBC Morcha, former dy chief minister and current MP (RS) Sushil Kumar Modi claimed that the BJP-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only done a lot of works for the OBC people but also emerged as the real party concerned about the OBCs and other extremely backward classes.
“A simple example of BJP is enough to prove the party’s genuine concern for the OBCs. As many as 27 OBC MPs are in the union cabinet of BJP-led government in centre as ministers. Besides this, reservation granted to the children of people belonging to OBCs in NEET is another benchmark in the credibility of party for the OBCs,” Modi said.
Dr Nikhil Anand, national general secretary of BJP OBC Morcha, told this newspaper that a two-day executive meeting of Bihar OBC Morcha will be held in one of the most backward districts-Khagaria on September 4 and 5.
The Bihar BJP is all geared up to expose the opposition on the demand of caste census for OBCs by highlighting the works done for the betterment of people of OBCs across the state.
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Dr Nikhil Anand interview: ‘How many OBC leaders have RJD, SP produced beyond their family till date?’
Express News Service
NDA allies in Bihar – the JD-U, the Hindustani Awam Morcha and the VIP, have joined the Opposition in demanding a caste census. Dr Nikhil Anand, a social-justice thinker and the national general secretary of the OBC Morcha of the BJP speaks to Rajesh Kumar Thakur on the party’s stance on social justice and caste census. Excerpts:
The BJP is getting cornered on the issue of caste-based census with its allies joining hands with the Opposition. What do you say?
The issue of social justice has been defined well by our PM Narendra Modi ji with the slogan- ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas and sabka vishwas’. He has done a lot to uplift members of the deprived and oppressed communities whether SC, ST, OBC or Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs). Caste census is just one issue. The whole idea of social justice can’t be limited to caste census.
The BJP is the biggest advocate of social justice since the starting days of Jana Sangh. Do you think, caste census is the panacea for all the evils plaguing Indian society? It seems like Pandora’s box, but we are sensible in our approach and very pragmatic towards the cause of social justice. We are not directly opposed to the caste census, but the time frame and preparation are also important. Those demanding caste census must first ask the Congress why they have betrayed the OBCs since Independence.
You can’t blame the Congress for not doing enough for the caste census in 2021. Now, it is your government that is in power at the Centre. What do you have to say?
In 2010, there was a debate in Parliament on conducting a caste census in 2011. Those blaming the BJP should listen to what our leaders Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Gopinath Munde and said on the issue back then. It is in the records of Parliament. After the said debate, the UPA government agreed to conduct caste census. Usually, census is conducted under the Census Act. Surprisingly, rather than doing it with the regular census, the UPA government conducted a separate caste census involving private agencies and NGOs of their choice in violation of the Census Act. They wasted 5,000 crore of public money and ended up doing something like a sample survey. That is why there are so many data discrepancies. The Congress has cheated the OBCs of India by doing a Caste Census Fraud, which must be investigated and the culprits brought to book.
BJP’s prominent ally in Bihar, JD-U has joined the Opposition in demanding a caste census. How difficult will this be for the BJP in the coming days?
Parties like the RJD and the Congress are so desperate to save their family business, which is politics. The RJD has used the OBCs as a vote bank only. How can the party justify its stance, while sitting in the lap of the Congress? BJP is sitting pretty well, banking on the work done by the union government over the past seven years. Whatever our PM has done for social justice in seven years, the Congress couldn’t do in 70 years. Antyodaya (Social Justice) and Rashtrawad (Nationalism) are at the core of our governance. We have promoted the all-around growth of this country. No political party has done anything close to what we have done for the poor through ‘Garib Kalyan Yojna’.
It has been reported that there is a difference within the Bihar BJP over caste census. Is it true that there are two factions in the party on this issue?
BJP is the only political party, which has inner democracy and a culture of discourse. Most of the political parties in Bihar and India are either a family fiefdom or pocket organisations of self-obsessed individuals. The BJP, under the leadership of PM Modi ji and Amit Shah ji has become the largest political organisation globally proves that we are a democratic party. The positive growth and journey of the BJP continues with present president J.P.Nadda ji. Every leader of our organisation is committed to the nation first, the party second. So, the question of factionalism is a fiction written by the Congress.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has repeatedly branded the BJP as anti-OBCs. What is your response?
Giving constitutional status to NCBC, the inclusion of 27 OBC ministers in Union Cabinet, giving reservation to OBC & EWS in NEET, OBC reservation in KVS, NVS, Sainik Schools; these are some of the pro-OBC decisions of PM Narendra Modi. They are the most courageous since Mandal Commission Implementation. The recent Cabinet expansion has given a strong message to the communities, who were left out till date from the policy-making and decision-making process.
This gives an opportunity to the subaltern leaders, who have been inducted into the top decision-making body to prove their leadership credentials and work hard to realise the vision of Modi ji. The days of casteism and dynastic social justice leaders are going to be over with a new era of social justice heralded by PM Modi. This Union government has the quantitative aptitude as well as the qualitative merit to take India towards the future, to newer heights. Narendra Modi as the new messiah of social justice has arrived for the OBCs.
A JD-U leader Upendra Kushwaha had recently said, even if JD-U is in NDA, if the government doesn’t conduct caste census, then it can create conflict with the BJP.
I won’t make any personal statement on a leader, who is chairman of JDU parliamentary party. But everyone should know that BJP respects its alliance partners and their leaders. The longstanding credibility, essence and ethos of NDA won’t be disturbed by any individual statements. JDU’s senior leader RCP Singh is the part of the union cabinet. But I would like to add some points here as well. BJP OBC Morcha has recently organized a programme to felicitate 27 OBC ministers in Delhi. We are receiving calls from all over the country appreciating the PM’s initiative in favour of OBCs. Even some left, liberal and congress people are calling in person to appreciate the PM.
I would again repeat that Congress is the villain of the Caste Census and that’s why they are keeping quite on this issue like a cunning fox. Where Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and what are their take on the caste census issue? Whereas RJD is going through cat fight days and they are raising some issues out of context to save the prestige of party and family.
How would the BJP tackle the aggressive politics played by the RJD in Bihar and SP in Uttar Pradesh on caste census and other social justice issue?
See, RJD and Samajwadi Party echo the OBC sentiment only to grab votes their votes. How many OBC and Yadav leaders, have they produced beyond their family till date? Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav have taken up politics like family businesses. There are many more talented, educated OBCs and Yadavs, who are struggling to come to the mainstream of politics. When the RJD got an opportunity tobe a part in the Union government, they promoted a mafia criminal Taslimuddin as MOS- Home and we have included bright young leader Nityanand Rai, a Yadav as MOS- Home. Today, Bhupendra Yadav is the biggest Yadav face in Indian Politics courtesy BJP’s inclusive politics. These people have no political legacy and come from a very humble background.
What is the stand of BJP OBC Morcha on the issues related to the OBC community including caste census?
The BJP OBC Morcha intends to take up the positive debate on social justice to every nook and corner of India in the leadership of its National President Dr K Laxman ji. We have not rejected the caste census issue in toto, but we are against any attempt to promote casteism and create divisions in society. OBC Morcha wants to go beyond the caste and promote community development. Our goal is not fragmentation but the consolidation of society and strengthening of the country. We want equal opportunity, equal participation and equal representation for OBC.
The Congress has never spared anyone who fought for or promoted the cause of nationalism and social justice in politics, whether they belonged to their own fraternity or rival camps. The victimisation of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, B P Mandal, Karpoori Thakur, K Kamaraj, Devaraj Urs to V P Singh, Arjun Singh, Sitaram Kesri, Rajesh Pilot and others clearly shows Congress’ bias against leaders who tried to express their nationalism or stood in favour of the exploited and downtrodden.
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Amid calls for caste census, Bihar BJP to take out three-day ‘Yatra’ through OBC dominated districts
Express News Service
PATNA: Amid the mounting pressure of opposition for caste-based census, the Bihar BJP, taking the works done for the OBC to the people, announced on Thursday to take out a three-day ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’.
Aimed at convincing the people of OBC communities of the works done by the Modi government, ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ will begin from August 17 under the leadership of Union cabinet minister RK Singh.
“On July 8, the Modi cabinet was expanded and for the first time in the history of India, 27 ministers belonging to OBCs have been inducted in the cabinet,” Dr Sanjay Jaiswal Bihar BJP president told the media on Thursday.
He further claimed that for the first time, 12 ministers belonging to scheduled castes and eight from scheduled tribes have been inducted into the Union government. “It is the BJP, which cares for the development of OBC and the people of other castes equally”, he claimed, adding that the Jan Ashirwad Yatra will make the people of OBCs and others understand BJP’s genuine concern for their welfare.
The BJP’s Jan Ashirwad Yatra will pass through 20 districts, which have a considerable population of OBC people. Taking a political pot-shot at Lalu Prasad Yadav over the caste-based census, Dr Jaiswal accused him of being a victim of poor mentality. “Why the caste census was not conducted when the RJD ruled the state for 15 years? Lalu Prasad Yadav is attempting to vitiate the society again on this issue”, Jaiswal alleged.
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BSP will support Centre if it takes concrete steps for holding OBC census: Mayawati
Her remarks come close on the heels of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday seeking an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the tricky issue of caste-based census.
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OBC resolution to be moved by Maharashtra govt in Legislature ‘misleading’: Devendra Fadnavis
By PTI
MUMBAI: Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Devendra Fadnavis on Monday termed as “misleading” the resolution to be moved by the state government in the Legislature asking the Centre to furnish population data of OBCs based on the 2011 census, so that political reservations for members of the OBCs in local bodies can stay.The Supreme Court earlier this year quashed quota for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies after observing that the total number of seats earmarked for various communities, including the SCs sand STs, should not exceed 50 per cent of its total strength.
Talking to reporters ahead of the commencement of the Maharashtra’s Legislature’s monsoon session, Fadnavis said the SC had asked for an empirical inquiry (into the issue of OBCs population) through the State Backward Class Commission.
“The apex court has not asked for census data. The resolution is time pass, face saver and misleading, and will not yield anything. But, we will support the resolution as we want to stand by the OBCs,” the BJP leader said.
The resolution, to be moved in both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature, says the State Backward Class Commission has been set up and it requires social, economic and caste-based census data of 2011, to prepare an empirical data of the OBC population.
This data is required for restoring reservations to the OBCs in local bodies elections.