Lingayat and Vokkaliga leaders back new SES but plan own digital census over accuracy concerns
While they support the government's initiative, both community leaders have expressed concerns about the possibility of under-representation. They plan to counter any discrepancies in the official data with their own figures.
Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha secretary H M Renuka Prasanna told TNIE that software is being developed to facilitate their independent survey. 'In every village, individuals will be covered and data will be uploaded to our website. The Mahasabha units at the village level will be equipped to upload regular updates on the birth and death of community members,' he said. A meeting will soon be convened under the chairmanship of Mahasabha president Shamanuru Shivashankarappa to discuss the initiative further.
Similarly, State Vokkaligara Sangha president B Kenchappa Gowda announced that the Sangha would conduct a digital census under the guidance of Adichunchanagiri Mutt head, Dr Sri Nirmalanandanath Swamiji.
'We will oppose any inaccuracies in the caste census being conducted by the state government. It must be scientific to ensure communities receive the entitlements they deserve. If the data is scientifically gathered, we will accept the findings even if the numbers vary,' he stated. He also congratulated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for initiating the new survey.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
‘Well of change': Expert panel proposes targeted welfare schemes
Hyderabad: The expert committee on the Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste Survey (SEEPC) has proposed the implementation of targeted welfare schemes tailored to the varying levels of backwardness experienced by different communities. To illustrate this concept, the committee offered a compelling analogy: envisioning a govt-dug well that serves as a central water source. Instead of allowing every household unfettered access to the well, regardless of their specific needs and capabilities, it would be more effective to install pipelines that deliver water directly to each home. This approach ensures that resources are allocated based on actual requirements, allowing the most disadvantaged communities to receive the necessary support while promoting a more equitable distribution of welfare benefits. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad In its executive summary, the committee drew this analogy, opining that the index serves as a powerful tool to enable a shift toward targeted welfare initiatives. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to social schemes, the govt can now design and implement welfare programmes specifically tailored to the unique needs of different communities. The report also noted that even among the marginalised communities, the degree of backwardness is relative. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo Therefore, it is important to adopt target-based schemes to address these differences effectively. As the comprehensive 300-page report detailing the backwardness index is set to be tabled before the cabinet for a discussion, deliberations are expected on whether the report should be presented in the assembly. Sources indicate that there will be significant discussion concerning the public release of the findings, as both the Congress high command and the expert committee have recommended transparency to address any misconceptions about various communities. It is important to note that the report's findings will only be made public if they are formally tabled in the assembly, ensuring that the dissemination of information follows proper legislative procedures.
Mint
20 hours ago
- Mint
Expanding women's workforce key to unlocking India's economic growth, says EAC-PM head Dev
New Delhi: The Indian economy could see a significant boost if more women are brought into the formal or informal sectors, according to S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). Citing official data and economic studies, Dev said raising the female worker population ratio (WPR) is not just about equity, it is a growth imperative. 'Women's participation in the labour market is essential to achieve faster economic growth, as it has the potential to improve both growth and inclusive growth," Dev said in an interview. The council's chairman said the government is actively working to improve the share of employed women in the population through a multi-pronged strategy that included education, skills training, entrepreneurship support, childcare access, better transport and flexible work options. 'The role of women in all activities of the economy and society has been increasing in India, although the shares of women in some activities are low," Dev said, quoting official figures. Government policies should encourage women's participation in all the sectors of the economy: agriculture, industry and services, he added. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey annual report 2023-24, worker population ratio for females above 15 years has risen to 40.3% in 2023-24 (July-June) from 22% in 2017-18. The legislation that seeks to allocate 33% seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies will also yield positive outcomes for women's empowerment in future, Dev said. "This law will now enable greater participation of women in policymaking and equitable governance at the state and national levels," he added. The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, provides that reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, including that of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, will come into effect after a delimitation exercise is held after a population census. Dev said the government is following a multi-pronged approach—focusing on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, flexible work arrangements, improved childcare and transportation—to improve the worker population ratio for females. 'India could improve GDP significantly by raising the WPR for Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted the systemic barriers that impede job opportunities for women," he said. "It says in order to sustain and enhance women's participation in the workforce, it is essential to remove restrictions on women working in certain occupations. This responsibility mostly lies with the state governments." While the worker population ratio of females has improved over the years, there is still a lot of ground to cover to achieve gender equality. According to statistics ministry's data, worker population ratio among men above 15 years of age is 76.3%. In scheduled commercial banks, only about one-fourth of the staff are women as of March 2024, as per another report from the statistics ministry, titled 'Women & Men in India 2024'. As per this report, declining fertility rate and improvement in education is aiding the rise in working women. Meghalaya, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh are the front-runners in female labour force participation—the share of working or work-seeking women in the population, while Lakshadweep, Delhi and Haryana are the laggards. The report also pointed out the improvement in gender diversity in business ownership, especially in the services sector, where the trend is stronger than in manufacturing and trading. 'There is a lot of focus on women entrepreneurs in India. Women-owned enterprises can improve WPR and boost economic growth. There are government schemes to improve women's entrepreneurship. Certain flagship schemes of the government of India, such as Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Rural Livelihoods Mission, etc. are oriented towards promoting women-led enterprises. This increases direct and indirect employment for women. Skill development and technology can also help raising women's employment," said Dev. 'There is also need for raising share of women in company boards," Dev said. As per data available from the ministry of corporate affairs, only about one-third of the professionals who secured director identification numbers (DINs) in June for board positions in companies are women. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicates that women's economic empowerment and the closing of gender gaps in key areas is associated with positive macroeconomic outcomes, including higher economic growth, lower inequality, increased productivity, better financial sector outcomes, and greater financial stability, the council's chairman said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Capex push: Nirmala Sitharaman calls it ‘primary driver of sustained growth'; says ‘we have to have capital expenditure grow'
File photo: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Picture credit: PTI) Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that sustaining economic growth in the face of global uncertainties remains India's foremost priority. She also underlined that the government will continue to rely on increased public capital expenditure as a major tool to drive development. Speaking at a book launch event in New Delhi, Sitharaman said, 'To maintain the growth is the topmost priority. Growth is the topmost, and therefore, it will have an overlap with how you create jobs…', as per news agency PTI. Her comments come at a time when India's economy is projected to grow at 6.5 per cent in FY25, the slowest pace in four years, down from 9.2 per cent growth in FY24. As per PTI, the Reserve Bank of India has trimmed its GDP growth forecast for the current financial year to 6.5 per cent, down from an earlier estimate of 6.7 per cent. The Economic Survey has pegged growth for FY26 in the range of 6.3 per cent to 6.8 per cent. The finance minister highlighted that capital investments by the government will continue to be central to economic momentum. 'Public investments have kept pace. It has been Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clear instruction that we have to have capital expenditure grow and grow significantly,' she said, adding that such investments are a 'primary driver of sustained economic growth'. Sitharaman also said that India must remain relevant globally and aim for a leadership role, especially by reshaping the voice of the Global South. At the same time, balancing domestic economic ambitions within the limits of fiscal responsibility is also a key area of focus, she noted. She further pointed to the government's efforts to attract more foreign investments, stressing the importance of a favourable FDI regime and highlighting the healthy competition among Indian states in luring global investors. On trade, Sitharaman indicated a shift towards bilateral deals over multilateral arrangements. 'We have seen bilateral agreements being signed in the last four to five years with Australia, UAE and the UK. Negotiations are progressing well with the United States as well as the European Union,' she said, as per PTI. Speaking on India's relations with China, she said that there were initial signs of improvement following external affairs minister S Jaishankar's recent visit. 'There is something, some kind of a beginning… how far it will go is something we will have to wait and see,' she remarked, while also stressing the need for 'a sense of caution'. The remarks were made during the release of the book 'A World in Flux: India's Economic Priorities.' Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
