The Centre on Monday opposed the Bihar authorities’s resolution to conduct a caste-based survey within the state. In an affidavit filed earlier than the Supreme Courtroom, the Ministry of House Affairs (MHA) stated the census is a Union topic and solely the central authorities can conduct such an train. “In line with the Centre, the census is a Union listing topic, and that it’s the Centre solely which might conduct it below Part 3 of the 1948 Act,” it stated.
The MHA additionally asserted that the census is a statutory course of and that it’s ruled below the Census Act 1948. “The topic of Census is roofed below the Union listing entry 69 within the seventh schedule.” The Centre additional stated that it was dedicated to taking all affirmative actions for the upliftment of the SC/ST/OBC in accordance with the provisions of the Structure of India and the relevant regulation.
The Bihar authorities is within the strategy of conducting a caste-based survey however the BJP has opposed the transfer. Some petitions had been filed in opposition to the transfer within the Patna Excessive Courtroom, which just lately rejected the opposition and allowed the state to finish the method. Nevertheless, a batch of pleas was filed once more within the SC in opposition to the Patna HC’s order.
The Centre just lately moved the highest court docket searching for permission to intervene within the ongoing listening to within the high court docket. Solicitor Normal Tushar Mehta submitted that the problem might have a ramification and the federal government ought to be allowed to file its response on authorized points concerned within the case with out taking sides.
Agreeing along with his plea, the SC granted one week time to the Centre to file an affidavit. The Centre in the present day filed the affidavit and opposed the caste-based survey.
Final Friday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated the caste-based survey within the state had been accomplished and the state authorities would quickly make the information public. He asserted that the caste survey could be helpful for all sections of the society. “The caste-based survey within the state is useful for all. It should allow the federal government to work for the event of assorted sections of society, together with those that are disadvantaged. It will assist us to know which areas require growth. Let the detailed knowledge come, I’m positive that different states will even comply with it,” he stated.
Kumar additionally claimed that the choice to carry the caste-based survey was taken after a unanimous resolution taken by the leaders of all political events, together with the BJP, within the state. He stated he was not bothered about what the BJP was saying. “I can say that the survey report will assist the federal government in higher implementation of welfare schemes for socially and economically deprived teams.”
(With inputs from PTI)
