The Union Cabinet of India has announced that the upcoming Census will include questions on caste for the first time in nearly a century, marking a significant reversal from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) previous stance. This decision comes ahead of the critical Bihar elections and highlights several political and social challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Historical Context: Caste data was collected in Indian censuses from 1881 until the 1931 census. After independence, the Indian government ceased to gather comprehensive caste data, only counting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs).
• Previous Census and Implications: The last detailed census data on caste was from 1931. This data later informed reservation policies, including the Mandal Commission's 27% quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and government jobs.
• Efforts at Caste Surveys: Some states, like Bihar and Telangana, have conducted their own caste surveys recently, revealing substantial portions of their populations belonging to OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). For instance, in Bihar, OBCs and EBCs were found to constitute over 63% of the population.
• Political Ramifications: The BJP's decision is surprising given its past opposition to caste-based data collection and the party's accusations against the Congress for using caste as a divisive tool. The caste issue is poised to become a significant talking point in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
• Challenges Ahead: While the announcement is noteworthy, the timeline for the Census remains unclear as the previous one, scheduled for 2021, was delayed indefinitely due to the pandemic. The inclusion of caste questions will entail the creation of a comprehensive caste directory, which could become contentious due to differing state and national caste lists.
• Potential Changes in Reservation Policies: The new caste count could potentially challenge the Supreme Court's 50% cap on reservations for OBCs, with already mounting demands for increased quotas based on survey findings.

Summary of Key Points:

• The upcoming Census will include caste questions for the first time since 1931.
• Caste data collection by census has a long history, with previous systems yielding crucial historical data influencing modern reservation policies.
• Recent state-level caste surveys have revealed significant demographics aligning with OBC and EBC classifications.
• Political dynamics leading up to the Bihar elections are heightened by this decision, as it may reshape benefits and representation in society.
• The BJP's surprising announcement may be an attempt to reclaim a narrative that the opposition has capitalized on.
• Key logistical and administrative challenges loom ahead, including determining how to best categorize and record caste data amidst the existing complexities of regional definitions and variations.

This decision is emblematic of the ongoing socio-political discourse in India concerning caste, identity, and representation, revealing an evolving landscape that may further shape electoral strategies and policies in the near future.

Summary:

West Bengal's Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has expressed significant concerns over recent communal violence in the Murshidabad district, recommending immediate action from the Central government to prevent further unrest and restore confidence in law and order. This comes after violent clashes in Dhulian and Samserganj on April 11 and 12, where three individuals lost their lives, and many were displaced from their homes. The civil unrest has raised fears of spillover into other regions of the state.

In a special report addressed to the Union government, the Governor outlined three main recommendations:

1. Legislation Empowerment: Formulating a robust legislation that enables the Union Government to intervene and maintain law and order when state mechanisms fail.
2. Commission of Inquiry: Establishing a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, to investigate the violence and recommend future preventive measures.
3. Border Security Force Deployment: The creation of Border Security Force (BSF) outposts in areas identified as vulnerable to communal unrest.

The report referenced Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, which allows for the imposition of President's rule in a state, hinting at possible drastic measures should the situation escalate further.

During his visits to the affected areas on April 18 and 19, the Governor gathered firsthand accounts from residents and emphasized the urgent need for central security forces to ensure safety and prevent future incidents. The report highlighted systemic issues in law enforcement, noting that the state government was aware of the deteriorating law and order before the violence occurred, particularly relating to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

As of April 22, 2025, there have been 138 FIRs filed and over 300 arrests made in relation to the violence, including significant arrests in a targeted killing incident. The state administration has identified numerous properties affected by the violence, but the Governor suggests that more decisive action from the Centre is necessary.

He described the violence as systematic and aimed at eradicating the identity of a particular group, characterizing the forced displacement of individuals as a form of “cultural erasure.” The Governor pointed to the increasing politicization of religious identity in West Bengal, with parties leveraging such divisions to consolidate voter bases, a trend exacerbating communal tensions.

He warned that these dynamics could push the state into deeper turmoil, where electoral strategies favor division over communal harmony and development.

Key Points:

• Governor C.V. Ananda Bose addresses concerns over communal violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
• Recent clashes resulted in three deaths and many displacements.
• Recommendations made to the Central government include:
  • Empowering Union Government with legislation to maintain law and order.
  • Setting up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence.
  • Establishing BSF outposts in vulnerable areas.
• Article 356 of the Constitution hinted at as a potential measure.
• The state administration had prior knowledge of rising tensions leading up to the violence.
• Over 300 arrests and numerous FIRs filed related to the incidents.
• Observations made on systematic violence aimed at cultural erasure of specific communities.
• Concerns expressed over the political narrative increasingly exploiting religious identities.
• Warning that the state's reliance on division for votes could lead to further destabilization.

The Delhi High Court has recently acknowledged a critical issue influencing its operations: an “acute shortage of judges.” This deficiency, alongside a significant backlog of cases, highlights systemic challenges within the Indian judiciary that have persisted for years. The court currently has only 36 functioning judges, far below its authorized strength of 60, leading to nearly 40% of posts being vacant.

Key Observations and Data:

• Judicial Vacancies: As of now, India's 25 High Courts have a sanctioned strength of 1,114 judges, with only 769 currently in position, leaving 345 vacancies (over 30%).
• Backlog of Cases: High Courts are collectively managing a staggering backlog of 6,296,798 cases. The Delhi High Court alone is dealing with 134,090 pending cases.
• Case Filing vs. Resolution Trends: The number of case filings has outpaced resolutions consistently, with especially concerning statistics showing that in 2024, 24,061,78 cases were filed while only 22,579,71 were resolved.

Contributing Factors:

• High Vacancy Rates in Specific Courts: The Allahabad High Court reports the highest vacancy rate with 81 out of 160 sanctioned posts unoccupied, and it also holds the most substantial pending case load of 1,176,229 cases. The Punjab and Haryana High Court follows next with 32 vacancies from a total of 85.
• Long-standing Appointment Process Issues: The Law Minister has indicated that 150 proposals for High Court judge appointments are in various processing stages, while recommendations are still awaited for another 205 vacancies. Despite the clear timeline suggested for initiating these appointments, the Law Minister admitted that this is rarely adhered to.

Initiatives and Responses:

• Ad hoc Judges: The Supreme Court has allowed for the appointment of retired judges as ad hoc judges to mitigate the backlog, although only a few High Courts have utilized this option, with the government yet to receive proposal requests.
• India Justice Report 2025: This recent report highlights a nearly 20% increase in pending cases between 2020 to 2024 and emphasizes that High Courts are functioning with around 33% of their posts unfilled. It reveals that India averages one High Court judge for approximately 1.87 million people, with judges frequently dealing with over 1,000 cases each, and extreme cases like those in Allahabad and Madhya Pradesh where individual judges handle over 15,000 cases.

Implications and Recommendations:

• This ongoing situation necessitates immediate attention to recruitment and appointment processes to streamline case resolutions and enhance the overall efficacy of the judicial system.
• Swift action is required to address these vacancies, to uphold the judiciary's integrity and ensure the timely delivery of justice to the populace.

This summary provides an overview of the significant issues surrounding judicial vacancies and case backlogs within the Indian court system as highlighted by the Delhi High Court's recent remarks.

Important Points:

• Delhi High Court faces severe judge shortage with 40% vacancies.
• High Courts collectively manage over 6 million pending cases.
• Average of one judge for 18.7 lakh individuals increases burden.
• Existing appointment processes for judges are inefficient and overdue.
• Need for immediate action on judicial vacancies to restore effective functioning.

The article discusses the current status and challenges faced by Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) in the Indian Parliament. PMBs are legislative proposals put forth by non-minister MPs, allowing them to provide alternative legislative ideas outside of the government's agenda. However, the process has been increasingly marginalized due to various parliamentary disruptions and a prevalence of government business prioritization.

Summary:

• Definition and Purpose of PMBs:

  • PMBs are proposed by individual MPs, not by ministers, allowing legislators to introduce laws reflective of personal, constituency, or social needs.
  • They are unique as they can diverge from party lines, providing more flexibility in legislative discourse.

• Current Parliamentary Scenario:

  • In the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024), 729 PMBs were introduced, yet only a fraction were discussed; two in Lok Sabha and 14 in Rajya Sabha were even considered.
  • The lack of discussion on introduced bills indicates a systematic sidelining of PMBs, which are now becoming more symbolic rather than functional.

• Recent Trends:

  • Two Fridays during Winter Session were disrupted while discussions that could have included PMBs were replaced with other government agendas.
  • The Budget Session allowed for only limited discussion on PMBs, with many scheduled never being heard.

• Noteworthy Examples of PMBs:

  • Notable PMBs include the ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill, which initiated discussions on mental health and labor rights, though it didn't progress beyond introduction.
  • The ‘Rights of Transgender Persons’ Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha in 2015 is cited as a significant move that influenced subsequent legislation.

• Impact of Institutional Changes:

  • The Anti-Defection Law has restricted MPs’ ability to propose initiatives that might challenge their party’s position, resulting in less individual legislative impact.
  • There is a call for recognizing the role of PMBs in representing constituents’ needs rather than strictly adhering to party mandates.

• Reform Recommendations:

  • The need to protect time allocated for PMBs from encroachment by government business is emphasized.
  • Proposed reforms include creating dedicated hours for PMBs, instituting a review committee for screening their quality, and potentially extending parliamentary hours rather than diminishing PMB discussion time.
  • Introduction of a mechanism akin to the UK's Ten-Minute Rule could facilitate more legislative proposals being aired and deliberated.

• Conclusion:

  • The importance of PMBs in fostering democracy and allowing independent voices within Parliament is highlighted, with calls for reforms to restore their significance in the legislative process.

Key Points:

• PMBs allow individual MPs to propose legislation, reflecting personal and social needs.
• Recent sessions have seen few PMBs discussed due to governmental priorities and disruptions.
• Significant PMBs have sparked national conversations but many have failed to progress.
• Institutional limitations like the Anti-Defection Law restrict MPs from deviating from party lines.
• Reforms are suggested to protect PMB time and enhance legislative discussions.
• PMBs have the potential to enrich democracy by accommodating diverse legislative viewpoints.

The opening of a replica Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, has raised significant concerns among the servitors of the original Jagannath Temple in Puri. Here are the key points and a comprehensive summary of the situation:

Summary:

• The replica temple, opened by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is located in Digha and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Goddess Mahalaxmi.
• Constructed at a cost of Rs 250 crore, the temple spans 24 acres and stands 213 feet tall, mirroring the architectural style of the original Puri Temple.
• Puri servitors have cautioned against participation in rituals at the new temple and questioned the West Bengal government's use of the term ‘Dham’ to describe the Digha site, stating that there are only four recognized dhams in Hinduism.
• The servitors, particularly from the Suar Mahasuar and Puspalaka nijogs, argue that performing the traditional rituals in Digha would dilute the significance of the Puri Temple.
• Concerns were raised regarding the Digha temple allowing entry to non-Hindus and foreigners, which contrasts the traditional exclusivity of the Puri Temple.
• The idols at the Digha temple are fashioned from stone, while Puri's Jagannath deity is traditionally made from wood, raising concerns about authenticity.
• Economic worries stem from the potential competition Digha poses to Puri as a tourist attraction. A large portion of Odisha’s domestic tourists are from West Bengal, and the Digha temple may draw visitors away from Puri, impacting local tourism.
• Industry experts believe that, despite the new temple's attraction, Puri's renowned status and tourists’ experiences there cannot easily be replicated.

Important Sentences:

• Servitors of the Jagannath Temple in Puri have advised their community against participating in any rituals at the new Digha temple.
• The Digha temple has been built at a cost of Rs 250 crore and is a replica of the 12th century Puri Temple.
• Puri servitors argue that performing traditional rituals at the new temple would dilute the significance of the original shrine.
• The use of the term ‘Dham’ for the Digha temple has been questioned, with the Puri sevitors stating there are only four recognized dhams in Hinduism.
• Concerns persist about the Digha temple allowing non-Hindus entry, which contrasts with longstanding practices at the Puri Temple.
• The materials used for the Digha idols are contested; they are stone, while the original idols should be made from wood, as per tradition.
• There are fears that the Digha temple may compete for tourists, affecting visitor numbers to Puri and its local economy.
• Experts assert that Puri's established cultural and historical significance is unlikely to be usurped by the new Digha temple.

This scenario highlights a cultural clash and the complexities involved in the replication of sacred spaces, as well as concerns surrounding tourism and religious practices in a broader socio-economic context.

The upcoming decennial Census of India is poised to introduce a significant change by incorporating a caste enumeration, the first of its kind since the British-era Census of 1931. This inclusion is significant as it reflects a policy shift aimed at capturing data on Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which could have wide-reaching social and political ramifications. However, this move raises legal, procedural, and logistical challenges that need careful consideration.

Key Legal Considerations:

• No Amendment Needed: The Census Act does not need to be amended to include caste data. The existing authority of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner (RG&CC) permits them to add a caste-related question to the census forms.
• Enumeration Process: New questions on caste categories beyond the existing General, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) will be added to the census proforma.

Deciding the OBC List:

• OBC List Dilemma: One critical question is which list will be utilized for OBC enumeration. There is currently no unified OBC list; the central list from the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) exists alongside numerous state-maintained lists, often leading to discrepancies in community representation.
• Political Sensitivity: The decision on whether to use the central list or a combination of state lists carries significant political weight, as it impacts the scope of OBC inclusion and related reservation policies.

Preparation Timeline:

• Six-Month Preparation: A conservative estimate suggests the RG&CC will require a minimum of six months to prepare for the enumeration, which includes notifying both the Central and state governments about the Census.
• Technological Updates: The census will transition to a digital enumeration platform that will need updating to accommodate the new caste data. Retraining enumerators and conducting pilot exercises will also be necessary to ensure seamless data collection.

Anticipated Challenges:

• Technological and Societal Challenges: Implementing new technology may create hurdles during the enumeration, necessitating effective training for enumerators. Furthermore, the spread of misinformation, particularly on digital platforms like WhatsApp, could hinder the process as public trust in data collection could be compromised.
• Post-Enumeration Political Fallout: Once the data is published, it will provide the first accurate caste composition in nearly a century. This could ignite calls for restructuring reservation quotas reflective of the actual OBC population, potentially challenging the previously established 51% cap on reservations.

Journalist's Background:

Ritika Chopra, the author of the article, is an experienced journalist with significant expertise in government policies, education, and the political landscape in India. Her extensive reporting has focused on sensitive issues, contributing to a better understanding of complex governmental frameworks.

Summary of Important Points:

• The Census of India will include caste enumeration for the first time since 1931.
• Legal amendments are unnecessary to incorporate caste data into the Census.
• A pivotal decision involves which list will be used for OBC enumeration, affecting political dynamics.
• A minimum of six months is required for preparation, with significant updates needed for data collection technology.
• Challenges include overcoming societal misinformation and addressing political ramifications post-census data release.

In conclusion, the introduction of caste enumeration in the Census of India represents a significant step towards data-driven social policy, but it comes with a complex web of legal, political, and logistical challenges that will need to be carefully navigated.

The article discusses the history and background of caste-related data collection in India, particularly focusing on the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 and the importance of obtaining accurate disaggregated caste data for policy and development purposes. The following is a comprehensive summary of the key points:

Summary

• The latest data on individual caste and tribe populations in India were gathered during the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) conducted between 2011 and 2013, subsequent to the Census of 2011.
• While parts of the SECC were made public in 2016, the detailed data on caste populations, besides the figures for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), were not released.
• The most recent publicly available caste data at a national level dates back to the 1931 Census.
• The upcoming Census 2021 is expected to collect updated caste data to address this gap created by the lack of disaggregated caste data in independent India.

Key Aspects of SECC and Census

• Initiated by the Union Ministry of Rural Development, the SECC involved extensive door-to-door enumeration across rural and urban households, focusing on socio-economic statuses.
• Personal data from the SECC is available for government use in determining eligibility for benefits, contrasting with the confidentiality of personal data from the regular Census.
• SECC collected critical economic and demographic information such as gender, marital status, religion, literacy, and economic conditions.

Enumeration Details and Methodology

• The SECC included 29 questions in its Household Schedule, gathering information on factors like mother tongue, migration reasons, and child birth statistics.
• Detailed inquiries into disabilities and illnesses were included in the SECC, with a broader scope than the Census 2011, which only asked basic disability-related questions.
• The Census sought to identify individuals within SC or ST groups without specifying individual caste names, while the SECC aimed to include distinct caste information by asking respondents to provide their caste or tribe status.
• The SECC clarified which religions could be considered for SC designation, highlighting restrictions in the inclusion criteria since some religious communities are excluded.

Economic and Living Condition Assessments

• The SECC collected comprehensive data regarding housing conditions, household amenities, and asset ownership which are vital for establishing economic profiles.
• In urban areas, information on parents' names and primary income sources was required, while rural assessments focused on tribal group memberships, income from various activities, and land ownership.

Implications for Future Policies

• The need for disaggregated caste data is crucial for drafting informed public policies, assessing socio-economic development, and addressing inequalities.
• The government's decision to embark on a new census focused on caste categories is pivotal, considering previous administrative oversight in collecting detailed data about various castes and tribes.

Conclusion

The exercise of collecting caste-related data in India remains complex and contentious, with the SECC 2011 serving as a critical step towards understanding the socio-economic dynamics of different caste groups. The forthcoming Census 2021 is anticipated to rectify the issues of data availability, fostering more equitable and informed policies for marginalized communities.

Important Sentences

• Latest data on caste populations comes from SECC conducted between 2011-2013, with some details released in 2016.
• Most recent publicly available caste data is from the 1931 Census.
• SECC was managed by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and involved extensive enumeration efforts.
• Personal data from SECC is available for government use, unlike the confidential data in Census.
• The SECC included more detailed inquiries into disabilities and economic conditions than Census 2011.
• Disaggregated caste data is vital for informed policy-making and addressing socio-economic inequalities.
• The government's decision to collect caste data in Census 2021 is seen as significant for future policies.

The ongoing water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana has intensified, prompting the Punjab government to enhance security at the Nangal dam. The controversy began after Haryana requested an increase in water supply from the Bhakra dam, leading to a heated exchange between the two states.

Key Points:

• Security Increase: On May 1, the Punjab Government ordered heightened security measures at the Nangal dam due to escalating tensions regarding water distribution between Punjab and Haryana.

• Recent Developments: The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), on April 30, approved the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana—a move opposed by Punjab, which argues it cannot spare any water due to its own crisis.

• Background of Dispute: During a meeting on April 23, Haryana requested additional water, increasing its daily intake from 4,000 to 8,500 cusecs. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini contacted his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Singh Mann, highlighting urgency due to drinking water needs.

• BBMB Vote Outcome: A critical meeting led by BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi included votes from five member states, where Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi supported the water release to Haryana, leaving Punjab isolated, while Himachal Pradesh refrained from taking sides.

• Understanding Water Allocation: Annually, the BBMB determines the water distribution among the states: Punjab is allocated 5.512 Million Acre-feet (MAF), Haryana receives 2.987 MAF, and Rajasthan 3.318 MAF. Haryana has reportedly consumed 3.110 MAF already, surpassing its share.

• Haryana's Argument: Haryana justifies its increased request on the basis of severe water shortages affecting districts like Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad, while Punjab counters with concerns about below-average water levels in its own dams.

• Current Water Levels: Chief Minister Mann indicated that water levels in key dams (Pong, Ranjit Sagar, and Bhakra) are significantly lower compared to previous years, exacerbated by poor snowfall.

• Protests by AAP: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has initiated district-level protests against the BJP for its role in facilitating the release of water to Haryana.

• Expert Opinions: Water expert AS Dulet expressed that providing water to Haryana for drinking purposes could be feasible for now, provided the allocation shares remain intact. He emphasized that adjustments might be possible, but it is critical to maintain each state's fixed quota.

• Legal Considerations: Facing the water distribution crisis, Punjab is exploring legal measures to challenge the increased release of water, with officials affirming their unwillingness to allow any water to be passed to Haryana.

This dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding water resource management between the two states, with potential legal and political ramifications as both sides navigate the issues surrounding their water supply amid critical shortages.