The Modi-led central government has approved a caste census for the upcoming national enumeration, with citizens now being counted by their caste identities as well as demographic parameters. This decision means that a caste certificate may become necessary for participation in government jobs, scholarships, and welfare schemes. However, the good news is that the process of obtaining a caste certificate has been digitized and can now be done from the comfort of one's home through their respective state government's official website. This data collected from the caste census will aid policymakers in formulating effective reservation policies, welfare schemes, and social justice programmes.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has proposed that the Centre constitute a group of Union ministers and an expert committee to hold discussions with stakeholders and emulate the "Telangana model" for the caste census. Reddy also recommended that the Central government engage with all political parties and civil society organizations before initiating the process, and ensure clear timelines are established. The CM expressed willingness to cooperate with the Centre and share the state's experience, citing that one year was sufficient to complete the exercise in Telangana. The decision to include caste enumeration in the census exercise was welcomed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who suggested Telangana as a model for the same.
The Karnataka government is preparing for a comprehensive door-to-door survey starting from May 5 to gather data on the sub-castes and social-economic conditions of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. This survey is in response to the ongoing demand for internal reservation within the SC community, particularly for the most marginalized sub-castes. The retired Justice H.N. Nagamoohana Das-led commission established by the High Court will conduct the survey and formulate recommendations by November 12, 2024, for the implementation of SC reservation according to demographics in the state. A total of 58,960 enumerators and 6,000 supervisors have been appointed for this purpose, with the aim of assessing the statistics and needs of the SC community.
On this special day of Ambedkar Jayanti, we pay tribute to Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution. His birth anniversary is celebrated with great fervor and his contributions as a lawyer, economist, politician, and social reformer are remembered. He led a movement against untouchability and caste discrimination, and his ideals of equality, freedom, fraternity, and justice continue to inspire us today. Let us honor his legacy by spreading awareness and compassion.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge strongly urged the government to begin the decadal census, last done in 2011, and the caste census without any further delay. He pointed out that the government's decision to indefinitely postpone the census will have serious consequences. Kharge also highlighted the importance of census data in shaping policies and welfare programs and demanded that other castes be included in the census besides the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He urged the government to take urgent action as this delay is leaving millions of people out of welfare schemes and hindering effective decision-making.
The Indian Express has reported exclusively that the BJP may ask K Annamalai to step down as the party's Tamil Nadu president, in order to avoid having both BJP and AIADMK's state election faces come from the Gounder community. This move is seen as a strategic decision to strengthen the BJP's alliance with AIADMK, as both Annamalai and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to this community. Despite his successful leadership style, Annamalai has reportedly been assured of a bright future within the party and has pledged complete loyalty.
It has been speculated that K Annamalai, the current BJP Tamil Nadu president, may step down from his position as alliance talks between the BJP and AIADMK intensify. The move comes amid concerns over caste equations and the BJP's strategy to consolidate its hold beyond the western region of Tamil Nadu. Sources reveal that Annamalai has expressed complete loyalty to the party and may take on a national role or a different assignment in the state.
The filing of a case under the SC/ST Atrocities Act against Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and 17 others highlights the issue of caste discrimination in Indian educational institutions. The complaint, filed by a member of the Bovi community, alleges wrongful dismissal and caste-based abuse following his implication in a honey trap case in 2014. This incident sheds light on the ongoing problem of systemic biases and discrimination faced by marginalized communities in professional settings. It serves as a reminder for the need to address and rectify these issues, fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality for all.
Actor-politician Balakrishna and activist Manda Krishna Madiga receive Padma Awards for their respective contributions to Art and Public Affairs. Balakrishna, son of veteran actor NT Rama Rao, is also an MLA from Telugu Desam Party while Manda Krishna Madiga is an important leader of the Madiga Scheduled Caste community. They are among the several awardees from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including economist KL Krishna and gastroenterologist Dr Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy.
On January 3, 2025, India commemorates the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, a trailblazing woman who defied societal norms to promote female education and fight against caste and gender discrimination. She, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, established India's first school for girls in 1848 and went on to establish numerous educational institutions that impacted the lives of women and marginalized communities. Let's remember and honor this remarkable reformer and her enduring legacy on her 194th birth anniversary.