Today, 16th April,The Bihar state government defended its caste census initiative in a recent Supreme Court affidavit. This move comes amidst ongoing debates about the necessity and implications of such surveys. The affidavit outlines the government’s rationale and goals behind conducting this census. The Supreme Court is expected to review and deliberate on the matter in the near future.
Bihar: The JDU-BJP alliance government in Bihar upheld its caste-based census before the Supreme Court, stating it aimed to understand socio-economic conditions for formulating improved government policies for marginalized communities. In a comprehensive affidavit, the Bihar government supported its decision, highlighting the collection of data on socio-economic conditions to enhance policies for disadvantaged groups.
Emphasizing adherence to constitutional mandates for achieving social equality, the state government expressed support for the caste survey conducted last year.
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The affidavit states,
“Conducted under constitutional mandates and aimed at achieving equality as enshrined in the Constitution, the caste survey has been carried out. The state has clearly defined its objectives for the survey and is now implementing measures based on findings from the survey report.”
The Bihar government provided a summary of the actions taken based on the survey report’s findings, which encompassed various initiatives such as quota benefits, housing schemes, support for employment generation, assistance for small entrepreneurs, and educational support.
The affidavit stated,
“The report on data released from the caste-based survey has been distributed to all state government departments for formulating plans and designing schemes aimed at the welfare of Bihar’s citizens. Various departments are actively engaged in delivering the necessary welfare benefits to the people of the state.”
In response to a series of petitions challenging the Patna High Court‘s decision upholding the state government’s undertaking of a caste-based survey, the Bihar government submitted its affidavit.