Bihar's Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, announced on Friday that the comprehensive caste-based survey conducted within the state has reached its conclusion, and the resulting data is on the verge of being shared with the public. Kumar emphasized the widespread advantages of this survey across all societal segments.
During discussions with the media in the region, Kumar stated, "The exhaustive caste enumeration within the state has successfully concluded its phase. Currently, the amassed data is in the process of compilation and is slated for public release in the near future." He highlighted the inclusive nature of the caste-based survey, portraying it as a catalyst for the state government's endeavors toward comprehensive societal development, particularly for the underprivileged factions, PTI reported.
Kumar added, "The significance of this survey encompasses all demographics. Its outcomes will empower the government's strategic actions directed at uplifting various sections of our society, including the marginalized. This data will be pivotal in identifying areas necessitating targeted development efforts. Upon the publication of the comprehensive dataset, I'm confident that other states may also be inclined to adopt a similar approach."
In response to certain political entities' opposition to the caste-based census, Kumar revealed that the decision to initiate the comprehensive caste-based survey was collectively endorsed by leaders from across the political spectrum, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), within the state. Brushing aside criticisms, he expressed his conviction in the survey's potential to enhance the efficacy of welfare schemes aimed at addressing the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Kumar noted, "Irrespective of external viewpoints, we remain steadfast in our stance regarding the caste census. Our commitment to this endeavor has been unwavering since its inception. The choice to conduct this survey was an independent one."
Addressing the recent move by the Central Government to seek permission from the Supreme Court for involvement in the ongoing hearing concerning the caste-based survey, Kumar raised questions about the prolonged delay in the decennial census. He remarked, "It's perplexing why the Central Government has maintained silence regarding the delay in the 2021 decennial census. This exercise should have concluded by now. It would be constructive for those in leadership roles to address the existing delay." The Central Government's recent application to intervene in the ongoing case stems from a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the Patna High Court's endorsement of the state's caste survey decision.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, in a recent submission, suggested that the issue at hand holds broader implications, and thus, the government should be permitted to present its legal response without taking sides. Acknowledging this plea, the Supreme Court granted the Central Government a week to submit an affidavit, scheduling the next hearing for August 28th, pertaining to the petitions against the Bihar government's decision to undertake the comprehensive caste-based survey.
