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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Maoist carrying bounty of Rs 15 lakh among four killed in gunfight with security forces in J’khand
Hazaribag (PTI): Four Maoists, including one carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Friday, police officials said.
The encounter took place in the Khapia forest area within the Keredari police station limits, following a tip-off.
"Four Maoists were killed in a gunfight with joint forces in 'Operation KotiNeer'. The Maoists killed have been identified as regional committee member Sahdeo Maho, carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh, Ranjit Ganjhu, Zonal committee member, carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh," IG, CRPF, Saket Kumar Singh told mediapersons.
The remaining two are Area Commander Budhan Karmali, carrying a reward of Rs one lakh and sub-zonal committee member Natasha, a woman who hailed from Gadchiroli in Maharashtra.
SDPO of Barkagaon, Pawan Kumar, said that no security personnel were injured in the operation.
The Maoists killed were wanted in about 80 cases.
With the encounter, only 57 Maoists are left in the state, the IG said.
A number of arms were also recovered during the operation including two AK 47 and one INSAS rifles.
The development comes close on the heels of a fierce exchange of fire between a Maoist squad headed by Misir Besra, who carries a bounty of Rs 1 crore, and police personnel on April 15 in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum. Four security personnel were injured in the encounter.
The Centre has already informed the state governments that there are no Naxal violence-affected districts in the country, more than five decades since Left Wing Extremism (LWE) originated in India.
The declaration followed a high-level security review held earlier this month by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the mandated 'National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism' formulated in 2015.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament on March 30 that India was free from Maoists.
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