Bangalore: Archbishop welcomes K’taka Caste Census, urges inclusion of Christian communities
Bengaluru: The Archdiocese of Bangalore, along with bishops, pastors, and Christian community leaders across Karnataka, has extended support to the ongoing Social and Educational Survey (Caste Census) being carried out in the state from September 22 to October 7.
Addressing the press on behalf of the community, Archbishop Rev. Dr. Peter Machado said the census would play a vital role in identifying the real beneficiaries of government welfare schemes. He noted that proper classification of caste groups will help frame policies and programmes that are just, inclusive, and based on actual needs. The Archbishop stressed that the survey would also assist the state in correcting disparities and ensuring that the weakest and most marginalised are not left behind.
At the same time, the Archbishop voiced concerns about the omission of certain castes linked to Christianity in the published lists. He expressed hope that such exclusions would be rectified during the final analysis of the survey. “Deletions, if any, risk denying historical communities their rightful recognition and may cause injustice in accessing welfare schemes. The Church urges the government to take note of these exclusions and ensure fair representation of all Christian communities,” he said.
The Church has also issued guidelines to the faithful, asking them to truthfully disclose their caste identity wherever they feel comfortable, but to ensure they declare their religion as Christian. Members have been advised to fully cooperate with census personnel and keep Aadhaar cards linked to their mobile numbers ready for OTP verification during the process.
Archbishop Machado has directed every parish and church to make clear announcements about the census and mobilise volunteers from among youth groups, laity, women’s associations, and parish organisations to assist families. He emphasised that no member of the community should be left out of the survey.
Calling the exercise both a constitutional duty and a step towards justice and equity, the Archbishop appealed to the Christian community to participate responsibly. “A fair and complete census will ensure that welfare measures reach all communities of Karnataka,” he said.
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Leopard that killed 8-year-old boy caught after weeks in Thane
Thane (PTI): Forest officials on Sunday captured a leopard that mauled an eight-year-old child to death nearly a month ago in Shahapur of Maharashtra’s Thane district.
The predator walked into one of the cages set up in the area late Saturday night, ending weeks of panic in several villages in the region, an official from the Dolkhamb division of the forest department said.
"The captured leopard will undergo a thorough medical examination before any further decision is taken regarding its relocation or release," he said.
Senior inspector Suresh Gavit from the Kasara police station confirmed the development, stating that the forest department had successfully secured the animal.
Following the news of the capture, a video surfaced on social media showing a large crowd of villagers, including children, cheering and following the vehicle carrying the caged leopard.
The capture comes as a major relief to the area, which had been on edge since April 16, when the big cat killed an eight-year-old boy.
Krishna Bhaga Agiwale, a resident of Kalbhonde in the Kasara range, had ventured into a forest patch near his house to collect wild fruits when the leopard pounced on him, dragged him into the thicket and killed him on the spot.
