Andhra Pradesh: Cabinet gives nod for caste-based census

October 30, 2021

Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has decided to request the Centre to take up caste-based census to mention other backward classes (OBCs) in the national census for 2021.

Highlights

Cabinet authorized the state backward classes minister Venugopala Krishna, for moving a request resolution in upcoming assembly session to take up caste census of OBCs.
Recently, on October 8, Telangana government also adopted a similar resolution in state assembly.

Department for welfare of weaker sections

Andhra Pradesh cabinet has also approved the formation of a separate department for welfare of economically weaker sections.
This department was created with the aim of implementing welfare schemes for upper caste poor people.

New posts in medical & health department

Andhra Pradesh Cabinet also decided to create 4035 new posts in medical and health department. It includes 560 pharmacist posts in YSR Urban clinics. Cabinet also approved 2190 additional posts for teaching faculty, paramedical staff and staff nurses. Government also proposed to fill 41,000 vacancies in Medical Health department. In last two & half years, around 26,917 posts have been filled.

Amendment to Cinematography Act, 1965

Andhra Pradesh Cabinet also approved for amendment of Cinematography Act, 1965. It allows online ticketing platform which is managed by AP State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation to issue cinema tickets.

Centre’s take on caste census

Union government has ruled out to conduct Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court on September 23, 2021, stating that caste census was unfeasible and administratively difficult.

Do we need caste census?

We need caste-based census because it will be beneficial for policy making. The census will bring the large number of issues in light, that any democratic country needs to attend. It will generate exhaustive data, which in turn will allow policymakers to develop better policies and implementation strategies. It will also help in addressing prevalent inequalities such as Unequal distribution of education, wealth and resources.

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