Need to ascertain accuracy of Bihar caste census before replicating model: Fadnavis

“Bihar is the only state to have come out with a caste survey… even the Congress-ruled states have not undertaken any such exercise till date. We will have to carefully study the survey report and then make a decision. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will take a call after required consultations… On such a crucial issue, all the details have to be worked out before deciding whether we should adopt the Bihar model (caste census),” he explained.

“The Maharashtra government is committed to the welfare of OBCs, and we will ensure that their reservation is not compromised.”

His made the comment as Other Backward Class (OBC) leaders across political party lines have been mounting pressure on the Maharashtra government to carry out a similar caste-based survey.

The report of the caste-based survey, conducted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, shows that OBCs constitute 63 per cent of the total state population. The ‘Bihar Jati Adharit Janganana’ shows Scheduled Caste (SC) 19 per cent, upper caste 15.52 per cent, and Scheduled Tribe (ST) 1.68 per cent.

State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “We fully support that a caste-based census be conducted to ascertain the exact population of OBCs and other communities should be done. The census will help us address many anomalies and determine equitable allocation of funds for welfare schemes, based on the population percentage.”

Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, said, “A caste-based census, like the one in Bihar, should be conducted in Maharashtra. It is essential… In the absence of a caste survey, how can welfare schemes or funds be allocated proportionally among the people. The caste-based survey will not only help OBCs, but all.”

Opposition leader Vijay Waddettiwwaf, from the Congress, has taken a lead in voicing the need for a caste census for the OBCs in Maharashtra.