Jharkhand's Landmark Caste-Based Survey: A Step Towards Inclusivity?

The Jharkhand government has announced it will conduct a caste-based survey in the next financial year. The Personnel Department is assigned as the nodal agency for this exercise. This initiative aims to collect accurate data for better representation of backward classes, following examples set by Telangana and Bihar. The initiative is underscored by political debates, with opposition leaders accusing the government of using the survey as a political tool.

Jharkhand is set to embark on a significant exercise to hold a caste-based survey in the next financial year, as confirmed by a minister in the state assembly on Monday. Entrusting the task to the Personnel Department as the nodal agency, the state government has foregrounded this initiative as a critical step towards improved representation for backward classes.

Transport, Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Deepak Birua announced that the government will emulate similar surveys conducted in Telangana and Bihar, responding to inquiries from Congress MLA Pradip Yadav about the implementation timeline and departmental actions thus far. Citing a political climate charged with accusations of using this survey for political maneuvering, the minister assured proactive efforts for its execution.

Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi criticized the initiative as a political strategy. Meanwhile, the state's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sudivya Kumar stated that municipal elections are contingent upon completing a 'triple test' survey to ensure adequate representation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

(With inputs from agencies.)