NCP’s Chhagan Bhujbal seeks caste-based census in Maharashtra, cites the example of Bihar
The Hindu
Former Deputy Chief Minister writes to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis
Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday demanded that the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government conduct an independent caste-based census in the State along the lines of the government in Bihar.
Remarking that such an exercise in other States had benefited citizens there, Mr. Bhujbal has written a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, citing the example of Bihar, where a caste-based survey has commenced recently.
The Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) government in Bihar on Saturday launched the survey with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying the exercise would prove helpful for the upliftment of all sections of society.
In his letter, Mr. Bhujbal, a prominent Other Backward Classes (OBC) leader in the State, said the demand for a caste-based census in Maharashtra has been pending for a long time.
Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh, too, had conducted similar exercises which are benefiting residents of these States, he observed, in an apparent reference to welfare schemes based on the surveys.
“The first thing the British did when they conquered India was to start a caste-wise census every 10 years. They felt a census was necessary to study those who were to be ruled. This work was done regularly for 60 years from 1871 to 1931 and was disrupted in 1941 owing to the [Second] World War. After Independence, the Government of India adopted a policy of enumerating only Scheduled Castes and Tribes while lumping all others together. Due to this, OBCs have been deprived,” Mr. Bhujbal said.
The NCP leader from Nashik further said that earlier, Members of Parliament— including Sameer Bhujbal and the late BJP leader Gopinath Munde along with 100 other MPs - had in 2010 moved a resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking a caste-based census at the national level.
Chennai will get its sixth reservoir along East Coast Road (ECR) and Rajiv Gandhi Salai in Chengalpattu district with a capacity to store nearly 1.7 thousand million cubic feet to cater to the city growing needs.
Karnataka establishes dog squads to combat narcotics in prisons due to increased cases of drug use.
Puducherry Congress chief criticizes AINRC-BJP government for issuing new liquor permits, advocates government control of manufacturing and distribution network.
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister presents MTFP with borrowing and repayment plans, highlighting state's economic growth and investments.
Former higher education minister C. N. Ashwath Narayana, who wanted to initiate a debate on the government’s move on closure of universities, and said closure of universities would lead to denial of opportunities for students to undertake higher studies.
Watch ‘Mayabazar’, ‘Aditya 369’, ‘Kshana Kshanam’ and other Telugu films at Red Lorry Film Festival in Hyderabad
Tamil Nadu budget 2025: Tamil Nadu government submits Chennai Metro Rail DPRs to Union government for equity contribution, plans for future projects.
Since the use of pesticides for whitefly control is not very effective, awareness among farmers is being created.
Discover the elusive nightjar and vibrant birding community in Ernakulam, Kerala, through unique birding experiences and conservation efforts.
Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise Minister V. Senthilbalaji said he would face the allegations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) legally, adding that the agency’s complaint regarding irregularities in Tasmac was made with “ulterior motives” and without any evidence.
House Beneath a Jackfruit Tree in Kerala features interconnected spaces, jaali work
Madras High Court dismisses criminal revision petition of Papanasam MLA Jawahirullah in foreign funds receipt case.
Former CM B.S. Yediyurappa had challenged the first information report registered on March 14, 2024, on the alleged incident that occurred on February 2, 2024, the chargesheet filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the February 28, 2025, order of taking cognisance of offences afresh by the trial court.