BJD calls for country-wide caste census, inclusion of Odisha’s SEBCs to national OBC list | India News
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday demanded a comprehensive caste census in the country, calling the exercise crucial to understanding the socio-economic conditions of backward classes. The party also demanded the inclusion of the socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC) of Odisha in the national OBC list. A delegation of the regional party met Ganesh Singh, chairperson of the parliamentary committee on the welfare of OBCs, and said that while the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 offered valuable insights into the socio-economic status of rural and urban households, it lacked crucial caste-related data necessary for informed policymaking and equitable distribution of resources. “A caste census would provide comprehensive data on parameters such as household structure, income sources, educational attainment and employment status across different caste groups,” senior party leader Pratap Jena said. Accurate data is vital for the formulation of appropriate reservation policies in education and employment, the regional party said, adding that caste-specific data would enable the government to design and implement development programmes that effectively target and uplift disadvantaged groups. “Detailed …