Supreme Court to examine the Bihar government's caste survey UPSC

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Picture Courtesy: live law

Context: The Bihar government's caste survey, which has been a contentious issue in State politics, will be examined by the Supreme Court on August 18. The apex court will hear a bunch of petitions that have challenged the Patna High Court's judgment that upheld the validity of the survey.

Details

The caste survey, which was initiated by Chief Minister in 2019, aims to collect data on the socio-economic status of various castes and communities in Bihar. The survey has faced opposition from some political parties and social groups, who have alleged that it is a divisive and discriminatory exercise that violates the constitutional principle of equality.
On Patna High Court on August 1 dismissed the petitions against the survey and said that the State government had acted within its authority and in the public interest.
The Supreme Court will now hear the appeals against the High Court's verdict and decide whether the caste survey is legal and constitutional or not.

Must-Read Articles:

CASTE CENSUS: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/caste-census-11

CASTE-BASED CENSUS: https://iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/caste-based-census

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is the need and significance of conducting a caste-based survey like the one initiated by the Bihar government? How might such a survey impact societal understanding and policymaking? What challenges arise from conducting caste-based surveys, and what strategies can be employed to address these challenges? In moving forward, how can the data collected from such surveys be effectively utilized to promote equality and address social disparities?