Govt mulls new population census after Lok Sabha elections, economic data improvements: Report
According to a report, the new population census may include training and deploying over 3,00,000 government staff. “The survey exercise would likely last about 12 months,” a source was quoted as saying. Key Points
mintRSS clarifies stance on caste census, says should be for 'development of society'
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has cleared its stance on caste census and has stated that it does not oppose the processs. It said that the data should be utilised for the progress of the society. Key Points
India TodaySeventh Economic census yet to receive approval from majority of states: MoSPI
Approval is pending from a majority of states for the finalization of nationwide results of the seventh economic census, according to the Ministry of Statistics Planning and Programme Implementation. Out of the 35 states and UTs participating in the census, 22 are yet to grant approval. Key Points
Economic TimesHow CWC was split on removal of 50% reservation cap — Manish Tewari vs Hariprasad, Singhvi, Baghel
Senior leader Manish Tewari says it will be difficult to go past courts with such a demand. Others argue demands for expanding quota ceiling were rejected earlier for lack of data. Key Points
ThePrint'Greater population, greater rights': Rahul Gandhi on Bihar caste census results
Several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, welcomed Bihar's government caste-wise census results. They reiterated their calls for a nationwide exercise to be conducted by the government. Key Points
India Today
Seventh census result awaited, but work to begin on eighth
India has not had an economic census for nearly a decade. The sixth economic census was conducted in 2013, results of which were made available in 2016. The data collection for the seventh economic census started in 2019 and could only be finished in 2021, owing to Covid. Key Points
Economic Timescensus unlikely before Lok Sabha polls; citizens to be asked about smartphones, Internet, cereals
Since several months will be needed for the preparations of Census, in most likelihood, the operation will be carried out only after the Lok Sabha elections. This exercise, whenever it happens, will be the first digital Census, giving citizens an opportunity to self-enumerate. Key Points
Economic TimesOnly six religion options make it to next census form
This national news article by The Hindu reports that the next census of India will have only six religion options, but will feature new questions on bottled water and migration causes. Read the full story on The Hindu. Key Points
The HinduDelayed by pandemic, forest dept begins statewide leopard census
The Forest department conducts leopard census every five years. The last census was conducted in 2016 and the population of these large carnivores was estimated to be 1,395. That figure was second only to Madhya Pradesh. Key Points
The Indian ExpressCensus, updation of NPR delayed for over three years
The census and National Population Register (NPR) have been postponed for more than three years, with no fresh notifications from the Registrar General of India (RGI). Although the BJP manifesto may have promised the introduction of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Karnataka in the upcoming polls, the Union home ministry has not yet decided to implement it at a national level. Key Points
Economic Times
Opposition's clamour for caste census grows ahead of 2024 election
Opposition parties, including the Congress, JD(U), Samajwadi party and RJD, are asking the Central government to conduct a caste-based census. The shrillness of the demand has only been increasing as the 2024 general election approaches. Key Points
India TodayHindutva's most formidable opponent — caste census. Why didn't Congress govts push for it?
The caste census could result in a significant shift in the existing power dynamics, political representation. BJP, Congress may not be willing to risk such a change. Key Points
ThePrintRSS says caste census should be used to 'uplift' society, exercise shouldn't break 'social harmony'
Remarks by RSS's Sunil Ambekar come a day after another functionary opposed caste census. Congress claims RSS & BJP afraid of census giving 'Dalits, backward classes equal rights'. Key Points
ThePrintCaste census demand disrespecting Indira, Rajiv's legacy? Anand Sharma questions Congress' poll plank
Former Union minister had skipped CWC meeting Tuesday. Since Congress never engaged nor endorsed identity politics, it is detrimental to democracy, he writes to Kharge. Key Points
ThePrint131 sarus cranes spotted in Awadh forest division after two-day census
A census conducted by the Uttar Pradesh forest department has spotted 131 Sarus cranes in the Awadh Forest division, including in the city's Malihabad area after several years. The sighting suggests a conducive environment for the birds to thrive. The census data for the entire state will be released soon. Sarus cranes are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and cannot be kept as pets. Key Points
Hindustan Times
MK Stalin brings together Opposition ahead of 2024 election
The social justice conference, spearheaded by the DMK on Monday, was attended by several Opposition leaders. The Congress and the RJD demanded a caste-based census at the meeting. Key Points
India Today‘Incapable': Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi over caste census
The CWC decision comes days after Bihar released the caste census survey report. The Congress is a member of the ‘INDIA’ bloc and the ruling coalition in Bihar. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesCaste census politics — what Bihar thinks today, Bihar used to think day before yesterday
Kanshi Ram was a genius & a political visionary, his ideas gave India an OBC prime minister. But Bihar-style caste census would be a very sad offering to the rest of the country. Key Points
ThePrintWe need well-designed and nationally-accepted tools to measure social inequality
India needs to go beyond exhaustive census counts to build a rich database on caste inequality. It may help to combine a proper headcount with intensive field studies. Key Points
mintRahul Gandhi's 'Jitni abaadi utna haq' call isn't about elections or Mandal. Goal is reform
None of the 140 unicorns in India have a Dalit, Tribal or OBC founder. On the flip side, 100 per cent manual scavengers belong to these communities. Key Points
ThePrint
With push for fresh caste census, Shivakumar throws a Vokkaliga curveball at Siddaramaiah
Congress seems to be a divided house with Karnataka Deputy CM playing Vokkaliga card. Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha has petitioned government not to accept caste census report of 2015. Key Points
ThePrintBihar caste-based census out: Extremely backward class is 36.01%, backward class 27.13%
Caste-based census report in Bihar released: Backward class - 27.13%, extremely backward class - 36.01%, general category - 15.52%. Key Points
mint‘Support unconditional to NDA' but JD(U) has wishlist – caste census, special category status for Bihar
JD(U) spokesperson K.C. Tyagi also says govt must revisit Agnipath scheme and take all stakeholders into consideration before implementing UCC. Key Points
ThePrint