Just counting castes not enough, reveal findings of socio-economic survey as well: Kushwaha
The Hindu
RLJD leader Upendra Kushwaha demands release of Bihar socio-economic survey to provide "full picture" of inequality. He questions methodology and sample size of caste survey, suggests posting enumeration of every village at gram panchayats for people to raise objections.
Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal leader Upendra Kushwaha, an ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has demanded the release of the findings of the Bihar socio-economic survey — which was conducted alongside the caste survey whose results have caused a furore since it was made public — arguing that this would provide a “full picture” to policy framers to address inequality.
It would especially reveal whether certain dominant communities within the other backward classes (OBCs) and extremely backward classes (EBCs) have cornered the benefits of reservations, leaving out others in these blocs.
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“That can only be determined if the findings of the socio-economic survey are also revealed,” Mr. Kushwaha emphasised.
He also raised doubts about the methodology and sample size of the caste survey, asking that these be made public at every gram panchayat in the State.
“Just counting castes is not helpful in framing policy. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that the survey will be used to address inequity, but without the socio-economic survey, how can one know which castes among the OBCs and EBCs need special priority,” he said.
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