Caste based census in Bihar: The caste-based census commenced in Bihar on Saturday (January 7) amid the war of words between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday (January 6) said that the government is fully prepared to conduct caste-based census in the state.
The caste-based headcount will be conducted across all 38 districts in two stages.
"We have started the caste survey today, first phase will be held from January 7 to January 21. The second phase will be held in April in which information related to socio-economics will be taken. There are a total of 20 lakh families in Patna, which will be counted in 1st phase," said Patna DM.
Tejashwi Yadav on Caste based census:
"Caste-based survey will give us scientific data so that budget and social welfare schemes can be made accordingly. BJP is anti-poor. They doesn't want this to happen", said Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav.
1st PHASE SURVEY:
In the first phase, which will be over by January 21 (Saturday), the number of all households in the state will be counted.
2nd PHASE SURVEY:
The second phase of the survey which is likely to be held from April 1 to April 30 will collect date pertaining to people of all castes, sub-castes, socio-economic conditions etc.
The decision of a caste census was taken by the Bihar cabinet on June 2 last year, months after the Centre ruled out such an exercise in the Census. The survey would cover an estimated population of 12.70 crores in an estimated 2.58 crore households in 38 districts, which have 534 blocks and 261 urban local bodies. The survey would be completed by May 31, 2023.
Government fully prepared to conduct census:
Kumar, who is on Samadhan Yatra, earlier said the government has trained officials to carry out caste-based census taking into consideration the sub-castes in the state and the financial status of the citizens. He also stated that the census will be beneficial for the development of the state and the country.
"We have trained our officers to conduct a detailed caste census. This will benefit the development of the state and also the country," Kumar told media.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar began Samadhan Yatra on Thursday (January 5) to review the implementation of government schemes and hold meetings with officials. Kumar began the yatra from West Champaran's Bettiah.
(With agencies inputs)
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