Jharkhand Government to conduct caste survey in the next financial year

Jharkhand’s Revenue, Land Reforms, and Transport Minister Deepak Birua announced on Monday in the state assembly that the Hemant Soren government will conduct a caste survey in the next financial year. Responding to a question raised by Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Yadav regarding the caste census, the minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to conducting the survey. The Personnel and Administrative Department has been entrusted with the responsibility of determining the process for conducting the caste survey.

During the ongoing budget session of the Jharkhand Assembly, Pradeep Yadav questioned the government about the delay in implementing the caste survey decision, which was approved in the cabinet meeting on February 12, 2024. He pointed out that more than a year had passed since the decision, yet no concrete steps had been taken. He also mentioned that Telangana, which decided to conduct a caste survey later than Jharkhand, had already released its report in February.

Responding to these concerns, Minister Deepak Birua stated that while conducting a caste census is the responsibility of the central government, the Jharkhand government is determined to carry out a caste survey in the next financial year. The process of selecting the agency responsible for conducting the survey is currently underway.

Speaking to the media outside the assembly, Congress leader Pradeep Yadav emphasized the importance of the caste survey, comparing it to an "X-ray and MRI report" of society. He explained that the survey would not only determine the population of different castes but also reveal the socio-economic status of various communities. This data would help formulate effective policies for the development of Dalits, backward classes, and minorities. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress had promised a caste census in their election manifestos for both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The state cabinet had also passed a resolution in favor of the survey just before the Lok Sabha elections.