NewKerala.com

Maharashtra Census: Athawale Highlights Caste Census Benefits as Self-Enumeration Begins

Self-enumeration for the 2027 census has begun in Maharashtra on the state's foundation day. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that the caste census will help the government understand the population and needs of each caste. He appealed for citizen cooperation and highlighted that the census will include details on jobs, farming, and housing per caste. Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule added that the census will be conducted digitally for the first time and only for Indian residents.

Key Points: Maharashtra Caste Census: Athawale Lists Benefits

  • Self-enumeration phase begins May 1-15, 2026
  • Caste details included in Population Enumeration phase
  • Athawale says census will reveal job, housing, poverty data per caste
  • Maharashtra Minister Bawankule says census is digital, only for Indian residents
2 min read

Self-enumeration begins in Maharashtra; Ramdas Athawale lists benefits of caste census

Self-enumeration begins in Maharashtra. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale says caste census will help government target benefits to each community.

"We will also get to know the percentage of each caste. How many people of each caste have got jobs, how many of them are farmers or are poor, don't possess houses, all these details would be received. - Ramdas Athawale"

Mumbai, May 1

As the self-enumeration phase of the 2027 census began in Maharashtra on Friday, the day of the state's foundation Day, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale emphasised that the caste census will help the government to help each caste.

The self-enumeration process will be conducted from May 1 to May 15, 2026, followed by the house listing and housing Census from May 16 to June 14, 2026, during which enumerators will carry out door-to-door visits.

Caste details will be included in the second phase -- Population Enumeration.

Speaking to IANS, Athawale said, "The census department officials came to meet today. I have appealed to all citizens to cooperate in the conduct of this census. We will get to know about the population of Maharashtra as well as that of the entire country through this."

He mentioned that the highlight of the enumeration process is the Central government's decision to also conduct the census on the basis of caste.

"Earlier, only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were included in the census. But this time the census will be conducted on the basis of each religion and caste," he said.

Describing the benefits of the caste census, he said: "We will also get to know the percentage of each caste. How many people of each caste have got jobs, how many of them are farmers or are poor, don't possess houses, all these details would be received."

"The government will get the opportunity to help each caste," he added.

The Union Minister appealed to citizens to cooperate with the census officials when they visit their houses and also use the census portal.

Currently, the House Listing (HLO) census is underway in various states, which will be followed by Population Enumeration (PE).

"Since today is Maharashtra Day, the start of the census here is significant," Athawale said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Guardian Minister for Nagpur and Amravati, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, also appealed to the citizens of the state to participate in the census, adding that only residents of India can participate in the present exercise, and Bangladeshi or foreign nationals will not be allowed to participate.

During a press conference, he announced that the eighth census of independent India will be conducted digitally for the first time.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, I'm a bit conflicted. While I understand the need to know the socio-economic status of different communities, I worry this could deepen caste divisions. We should focus more on economic criteria rather than just caste. But let's see how it's implemented. At least Athawale saheb seems to have good intentions. 🤔
V
Vikram M
Digital census is a great step forward! No more paper forms getting lost or data entry errors. But my main concern is privacy - how will the government ensure this sensitive caste data isn't leaked or misused? We need strong data protection laws before collecting such personal information. Still, kudos for modernizing the process. 💻
J
James A
As someone from abroad who's been following India's development, this is fascinating. Collecting caste data seems complex but necessary for inclusive growth. The digital aspect is impressive - India is really leapfrogging in tech applications. Hope this leads to better targeted poverty alleviation programs. Best of luck Maharashtra! 🎉
R
Rohit P
I appreciate the transparency about including all castes and religions, not just SC/ST like before. But I'm skeptical - will the government actually use this data to help the truly needy, or will it become another tool for vote bank politics? We need action, not just surveys. Let's see how the OBC data is collected and used. 🧐
K
Kavya N
I'm cautiously optimistic. My parents remember the stigma of caste-based discrimination, but they also understand the need for accurate data to ensure reservations reach those who need them. Athawale ji's point about knowing

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50