Latest news with #SECC-2011
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Deadlock over SIR continues for another day, Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon today following a fresh wave of protests by Opposition members demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. As Speaker Om Birla entered the House at 11 a.m., Opposition members rose to their feet, shouting slogans and displaying placards, plunging the chamber into chaos. Despite the din, Speaker Birla initiated Question Hour and began calling names. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari from Delhi posed a supplementary question regarding the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Minister of State for Rural Development Dr Chandrasekhar Pemmasani attempted to respond, but his remarks were largely inaudible amid the pandemonium. Tiwari had sought details on whether the government had achieved saturation of eligible households identified through the SECC-2011 (Socio-Economic and Caste Census) and the Awaas+ 2018 survey, and whether any targets were set or houses sanctioned under PMAY-Gramin in the National Capital Territory of Delhi -- particularly in North East Delhi. He also requested district-wise data. In a brief but pointed reply, Dr Pemmasani stated: 'Under PMAY, based on SECC-2011 and the 2018 Awaas+ survey, we sanctioned 3 crore houses. Following the 2024 Awaas survey, the Cabinet approved another 2 crore houses. In total, 5 crore houses have been sanctioned. Of these, 4.12 crore have already been allocated to states, and 3.8 crore have already been given to the states. Out of them, 2.9 crore houses have been constructed.' He contrasted the current government's performance with the previous UPA regime, noting that the central share released under the present administration stood at Rs 2.7 lakh crore, compared to just Rs 66,000 crore during the UPA years. 'We are working in saturation mode,' he added, before his voice was again drowned out. Dr Pemmasani also highlighted two unique features of the 2024 Awaas survey: e-KYC authentication -- implemented for the first time in India -- and self-registration via mobile application. The disruptions intensified before the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare could respond to a question from Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane. Opposition members demanded an immediate debate on the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar, rendering the minister's remarks inaudible. With no signs of order being restored, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon, marking yet another stalled morning in the ongoing Monsoon Session, which has seen repeated disruptions over the SIR issue.
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Business Standard
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Caste census to boost social justice, not division: NCSC Chairperson
Nixing insinuations that caste enumeration would create chasms in society, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairperson Kishor Makwana said the data gathered would serve as a foundation for policy decisions and strengthen social justice. It will help uplift the marginalised backward communities, he told PTI in an interview. With the BJP-led NDA government deciding to include caste enumeration in the next census, Makwana welcomed the move, saying that unlike in 2011, "definite figures would be available" that would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. The UPA government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census in 2011, which was the first attempt since 1931 to collect caste data nationwide. However, the caste data from SECC-2011 was never fully released or utilised. Rejecting concerns that the caste census could lead to sectarian divisions, Makwana said, "This will not create any division based on caste. Rather, it will strengthen social justice." "It will uplift backward castes and strengthen all three aspects -- social, political, and economic -- of Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream for the Scheduled Caste community." The caste census will provide accurate numbers that will serve as a foundation for policy decisions and target beneficiaries of schemes such as the Mudra Yojana in a much better manner, the NCSC chairperson said. "It will ensure that those who have remained deprived, finally get their due." Makwana clarified the NCSC would not be directly involved in the enumeration process but would play a critical role in post-census policy framing. "We don't have a role in the data collection itself. But after the data is out, the commission will have a role in ensuring the Scheduled Castes get their due share based on proportion. In that sense, this is a major step toward social justice," he said. Lauding the central Cabinet's decision, the NCSC chairperson said the caste census aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to uplift the last person in society, both socially and economically. "This decision takes that vision forward. Those who have been left behind will now be empowered," he said, adding that accurate data would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. "With definite population data, communities will get what they deserve in proportion. Right now, benefits are being given based on estimates. Once we have numbers, proper policy interventions can be made," he said. Noting that the last caste census was held in 1931 and updated data has been lacking, Makwana said, "We've been working on the assumption that SCs form 7 per cent of the population. But without verified data, many deprived sections remain unaccounted for." "The new census will bring detailed data, not just for the SCs, but also for sub-castes within Muslim and Christian communities," he said. Makwana also criticised political parties that previously opposed the caste census, saying they didn't include caste data in the seven censuses conducted since 1951 because their intentions were not right". On the commission's broader activities, the chairperson said the NCSC has begun conducting state-level hearings, which weren't done earlier. "We held hearings in Punjab and Rajasthan. We are going among the people. Legal provisions alone won't solve caste-based issues; there has to be a sense of empathy and emotional connection in society as well," he said. Raising concerns about the condition of Dalits in Punjab, Makwana said, "Students are not getting scholarships, many youths have fallen into drug addiction, dropout rates are high, and even government officials are not getting benefits of schemes.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Caste census not divisive, it will strengthen social justice: Scheduled Caste rights panel chief
Nixing insinuations that caste enumeration would create chasms in society, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairperson Kishor Makwana said the data gathered would serve as a foundation for policy decisions and strengthen social justice. It will help uplift the marginalised backward communities, he told PTI in an interview. With the BJP-led NDA Government deciding to include caste enumeration in the next census, Mr. Makwana welcomed the move, saying that unlike in 2011, 'definite figures would be available' that would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. The UPA Government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census in 2011, which was the first attempt since 1931 to collect caste data nationwide. However, the caste data from SECC-2011 was never fully released or utilised. Rejecting concerns that the caste census could lead to sectarian divisions, Mr. Makwana said, 'This will not create any division based on caste. Rather, it will strengthen social justice.' 'It will uplift backward castes and strengthen all three aspects — social, political, and economic — of Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream for the Scheduled Caste community.' The caste census will provide accurate numbers that will serve as a foundation for policy decisions and target beneficiaries of schemes such as the Mudra Yojana in a much better manner, the NCSC chairperson said. 'It will ensure that those who have remained deprived, finally get their due.' Mr. Makwana clarified the NCSC would not be directly involved in the enumeration process but would play a critical role in post-census policy framing. 'We don't have a role in the data collection itself. But after the data is out, the commission will have a role in ensuring the Scheduled Castes get their due share based on proportion. In that sense, this is a major step toward social justice,' he said. Lauding the central Cabinet's decision, the NCSC chairperson said the caste census aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to uplift the last person in society, both socially and economically. 'This decision takes that vision forward. Those who have been left behind will now be empowered,' he said, adding that accurate data would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. 'With definite population data, communities will get what they deserve in proportion. Right now, benefits are being given based on estimates. Once we have numbers, proper policy interventions can be made,' he said. Noting that the last caste census was held in 1931 and updated data has been lacking, Mr. Makwana said, 'We've been working on the assumption that SCs form 7 per cent of the population. But without verified data, many deprived sections remain unaccounted for.' 'The new census will bring detailed data, not just for the SCs, but also for sub-castes within Muslim and Christian communities,' he said. Mr. Makwana also criticised political parties that previously opposed the caste census, saying they didn't include caste data in the seven censuses conducted since 1951 because their intentions were not right'. On the Commission's broader activities, the Chairperson said the NCSC has begun conducting State-level hearings, which weren't done earlier. 'We held hearings in Punjab and Rajasthan. We are going among the people. Legal provisions alone won't solve caste-based issues; there has to be a sense of empathy and emotional connection in society as well,' he said. Raising concerns about the condition of Dalits in Punjab, Mr. Makwana said, 'Students are not getting scholarships, many youths have fallen into drug addiction, dropout rates are high, and even government officials are not getting benefits of schemes.'
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP plans to build 60 lakh houses under PM Awas Yojana-Rural
Lucknow: UP plans to construct over 60 lakh houses under the Centre's ambitious PM Awas Yojana-Rural in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Once approved by the Centre, this will be almost twice what the UP govt constructed in 2024-25 financial year—around 37 lakh houses. The fresh projection comes amid the Centre's decision to extend the deadline for the assessment of housing units until May 15. The survey to assess the housing requirement started in Dec 2024 and ended in April 2025. During this period, the department received applications for over 54 lakh houses. Experts said the scheme was being leveraged by the Yogi Adityanath govt to bolster its footprint in rural areas, which are electorally crucial. Launched in Nov 2016, the PMAY-Rural scheme aims to provide housing for the poorest segments of society. Beneficiaries are selected through a three-stage validation process that includes Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC-2011) and Awas Plus (2018) surveys, Gram Sabha approvals and geo-tagging. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Remarkable Oscar Outfits Ever Interesticle Undo At least 60% of the target is earmarked for SC and ST households. Officials said the scheme has contributed to reducing poverty, improving living standards and fostering socio-economic development. During a recent review meeting, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, who holds the portfolio of rural development , emphasised the need for the govt to conduct a door-to-door survey to identify eligible families. The fresh data includes over 16 lakh beneficiaries who conducted a self-survey. Officials said surveyors have been told to conduct thorough verification to ensure that no eligible person is left out. Sources said rural development commissioner GS Priyadarshi sent a letter in this regard to all the DMs and chief development officers, instructing them to complete the survey work by May 15. Regarding the Awas Plus survey, instructions have been given for extensive publicity so that all people living in rural areas are aware of it. The process is being reviewed daily at the headquarters level, and instructions are being given to all CDOs and project directors of the district rural development agency from time to time.
Hans India
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
BJP mocks CM Siddaramaiah on caste census advice to Centre
The Karnataka BJP, on Thursday, criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on his caste census remarks, saying that the exercise done by the Congress-led government was a model for how not to conduct the census. Earlier, CM Siddaramaiah said that his government was fully prepared to extend any guidance to the Union government on the caste census. R. Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, stated, 'Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, your statement suggesting that Karnataka's model should be adopted for the caste census is truly laughable. A report whose original copy has gone missing, which lacks even the signatures of the secretaries, where applications were filled by school children paid five to ten rupees per form, where houses with dogs were skipped during enumeration, and which even after ten years remains unaccepted - your caste census report stands as a textbook example of how not to conduct a caste census.' 'Your claim that the BJP has always opposed the caste census is an outright lie. In 2010, the then Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the late Sushma Swaraj, had formally conveyed to the UPA government that the BJP supported, including caste enumeration in the 2011 census. The BJP had also supported the unanimous resolution passed in Parliament on the matter,' Ashoka pointed out. However, instead of conducting a proper caste census, the then Congress government carried out a flawed Social-Economic Caste Census - 2011 (SECC-2011). Like Karnataka's caste census, this too suffered from poor planning and ineffective execution, leading to its complete failure. Despite spending crores of rupees, the findings were never officially released. This reveals the Congress party's true commitment towards the caste census, Ashoka stated. 'The BJP has never misused the caste census as an electoral weapon. When in power, we demonstrated commitment by deciding to carry out the caste census. We did not indulge in petty politics by shedding crocodile tears while in opposition and ignoring the issue when in power. This reflects our genuine dedication to social justice. BJP's only concern regarding the caste census has always been that it should not be misused for political attacks,' Ashoka underlined. 'The caste census that the Central government is now set to conduct will be carried out in a highly transparent, scientific, and purposeful manner - not manipulated for political gain as your Congress government did by twisting data to suit your needs,' Ashoka stated, addressing CM Siddaramaiah. Karnataka's caste census process serves only as an example of how not to conduct a caste census; there are no aspects worth emulating from it, he reiterated. Welcoming the decision for caste census by the centre, CM Siddaramaiah stated on Wednesday, 'Just as the BJP initially mocked our five guarantee schemes and later adopted them, the Modi government's decision to implement a caste census proves that Congress' policies are rooted in public welfare. "The Karnataka government's caste-based Social, Economic, and Educational Survey is a robust model. We are fully prepared to extend any guidance or support the Union government may need,' the CM said. CM Siddaramaiah further stated, 'Our government wholeheartedly welcomes the Union government's decision to conduct a caste census along with the national population census. At this moment, I urge the Union government to also carry out a social, economic, and educational survey alongside the census. In Karnataka, we didn't just conduct a caste census - we also gathered data on the social, economic, and educational status of communities. Based on this data, we have taken steps to revise and expand the current reservation policy. I hope the Union government will now follow through with this process as well.'
