News for 'Scheduled Castes and Tribes'

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It will split people and create caste clashes. Unity of people will be affected for the time being.'

What's in your home? Govt lists 33 questions for Census Phase 1

What's in your home? Govt lists 33 questions for Census Phase 1

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

The Indian government has released the list of questions to be asked during the first phase of the Census 2027, focusing on houselisting and housing enumeration. The survey will cover various aspects of housing conditions, household characteristics, and access to basic amenities.

Rajya Sabha faces backlog of 19 bills, oldest dates back to 1992

Rajya Sabha faces backlog of 19 bills, oldest dates back to 1992

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Rajya Sabha currently has 19 government Bills pending, with the oldest dating back to 1992. These bills cover a range of issues including population control, rent control, seed quality, migrant workers, and tribal autonomy.

States Chalk Out Plans For Census 2027

States Chalk Out Plans For Census 2027

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Odisha and Uttar Pradesh are among the first to roll out the digital exercise.

RSS chief 'ready to step down' if asked

RSS chief 'ready to step down' if asked

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated he will continue in his role despite his age, stepping down only when the organization directs him to do so. He also discussed the importance of values and communication within the RSS.

Court to Decide on Bail for Couple Accused of Racially Abusing Neighbours

Court to Decide on Bail for Couple Accused of Racially Abusing Neighbours

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has reserved its order on the bail plea of a couple accused of hurling racial slurs at their neighbours from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. The arguments were presented by both parties, with the court set to deliver its decision on Tuesday.

UGC issue: New rules won't be discriminatory or misused, says govt

UGC issue: New rules won't be discriminatory or misused, says govt

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The new UGC regulations mandating all higher education institutions to form "equity committees" to look into discrimination complaints and promote equity were notified on January 13.

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court's stay on the UGC equity regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses has been met with mixed reactions. Opposition parties welcomed the decision, while some expressed concern over the implications for marginalized communities.

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has introduced the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, aiming to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, regardless of religion. This follows a similar move by Uttarakhand and excludes Scheduled Tribes and groups with protected customary rights.

Over 85% Billionaires Are Upper Castes

Over 85% Billionaires Are Upper Castes

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

While other backward classes had a share of 9 per cent, there were no scheduled tribe billionaires.

Palghar: 13-year-old tribal girl forced into marriage, raped

Palghar: 13-year-old tribal girl forced into marriage, raped

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

A 13-year-old tribal girl from Maharashtra's Palghar district was allegedly forcibly married off and raped, police said on Friday.

Big Labour Budget: 61% Unspent

Big Labour Budget: 61% Unspent

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Of the Rs 31,820.80 crore allocated to central sector schemes and projects, only Rs 11,868.05 crore was utilised, according to the revised estimates.

Minor Dalit girl abducted, forcibly converted, married

Minor Dalit girl abducted, forcibly converted, married

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Two men have been arrested here for allegedly abducting a Dalit minor girl, unlawfully converting her religion, and solemnising marriage with her, officials said on Wednesday.

Uttam Nagar Holi Clash: Victim's Family Seeks CBI Investigation After House Demolition

Uttam Nagar Holi Clash: Victim's Family Seeks CBI Investigation After House Demolition

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Following the demolition of a house linked to an accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash, the victim's family is demanding a CBI probe and strict action against all those involved in the incident.

Minor tribal girl forcibly married, mother gets Rs 50,000

Minor tribal girl forcibly married, mother gets Rs 50,000

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Police in Palghar, Maharashtra, have registered a case against five individuals involved in the marriage of a 16-year-old minor tribal girl. The case involves charges of rape, human trafficking, harassment, and violations of the POCSO Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'What has changed is that the new regulations are backed by a clear enforcement framework. They have real consequences and, for the first time, make compliance unavoidable.'

Plea in SC seeks probe into demand for proof of periods from women

Plea in SC seeks probe into demand for proof of periods from women

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre and others on a plea alleging that female sanitation workers at the Maharashi Dayanand University in Haryana were asked to prove through pictures of their private parts that they were menstruating.

Karnataka HC cites Manusmriti to deny bail to rape accused

Karnataka HC cites Manusmriti to deny bail to rape accused

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

The Karnataka high court has refused to grant bail to a man accused in a rape case, invoking a verse from Manusmriti pertaining to respecting women and a remark by Mahatma Gandhi while underscoring the need to safeguard women's dignity.

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Both NDA and INDIA are racing to woo marginalised groups with Assembly polls fast approaching.

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections on December 2 for municipal councils and nagar panchayats. The polls are seen as a test of the ruling coalition's strength after their recent assembly election victory.

Amid quota row, OBC activist's car set on fire in Maha

Amid quota row, OBC activist's car set on fire in Maha

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The upper portion of the vehicle was damaged before locals rushed to the spot and helped douse the flames.

Cong neta forced to wear saree by BJP workers for Modi post

Cong neta forced to wear saree by BJP workers for Modi post

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The 72-year-old local Congress functionary had shared a morphed image on social media of the PM.

Uphold Constitution and adhere to 'Lakshman Rekha': RS Chairman to members

Uphold Constitution and adhere to 'Lakshman Rekha': RS Chairman to members

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan addressed members, urging them to uphold the Constitution, follow parliamentary norms, and understand their responsibilities towards the nation.

Jarange calls off Maratha agitation after Maha issues GR

Jarange calls off Maratha agitation after Maha issues GR

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Jarange Patil on Tuesday called off his five-day old agitation after the Maharashtra government issued a resolution on the Hyderabad gazetteer and announced the formation of a committees to facilitate the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas who are able to produce documentary evidence recognising them as Kunbis in the past.

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra are scheduled for December 2, according to the State Election Commissioner. The schedule for other local bodies will be announced later.

India's Census 2027 to include caste count; exercise to cost Rs 13K cr

India's Census 2027 to include caste count; exercise to cost Rs 13K cr

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

The census will be carried out with a reference date of October 1, 2026 in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and March 1, 2027 in the rest of the country, the notification said.

Haryana IPS officer's suicide note alleges anti-Dalit bias, names DGP

Haryana IPS officer's suicide note alleges anti-Dalit bias, names DGP

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

A senior Haryana Police officer's suspected suicide has sparked controversy after a note he left behind accused senior officers of harassment and caste-based discrimination. His wife has demanded an FIR against the state police chief.

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Census exercise with caste enumeration will be carried out with the reference date of October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027, in the rest of the country, the Home Ministry announced on Wednesday.

'People Will Tilt Towards BJP After Caste Census'

'People Will Tilt Towards BJP After Caste Census'

Rediff.com2 May 2025

'There were deep discussions within the Sangh Parivar before this decision was made.' 'They were convinced, and only then did the Modi government proceed with the caste census.'

6 held for attempt to give electric shock to Dalit boys at Andhra hostel

6 held for attempt to give electric shock to Dalit boys at Andhra hostel

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

The incident occurred on August 7 and reportedly stemmed from an attempt to separate one of the victims from a minor girl with whom he was in a mutual relationship.

IPS officer's wife claims harassment led to his suicide

IPS officer's wife claims harassment led to his suicide

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

The wife of a Haryana Police officer who allegedly died by suicide has claimed his death was the result of 'systematic persecution' by high-ranking officers and has filed a complaint requesting an FIR be registered.

SC-ST Act applicable only if there is intention to humiliate: SC

SC-ST Act applicable only if there is intention to humiliate: SC

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

An offence under the SC-ST Act is not established merely on the fact that the complainant is a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community unless there is an intention to humiliate, the Supreme Court said on Friday.

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a Supreme Court-mandated process. The elections are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections.

Caste Is Back In The Electoral Equation

Caste Is Back In The Electoral Equation

Rediff.com20 Nov 2023

Bihar has fertile grounds for caste to emerge as an electoral issue.

UP: Elderly Dalit man forced to lick spot where he urinated

UP: Elderly Dalit man forced to lick spot where he urinated

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

An elderly Dalit man was allegedly forced to lick the ground near a temple on the outskirts of Lucknow after being accused of urinating there. The accused has been arrested, and the incident has sparked political outrage.

OBCs, SCs, STs turn up heat over Maratha quota GR

OBCs, SCs, STs turn up heat over Maratha quota GR

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Political tensions rise in Maharashtra as OBC, SC, and ST groups express concerns over a government resolution on the Maratha quota. Chief Minister Fadnavis cautions against divisive politics, while Sharad Pawar accuses the government of weakening the social fabric.

Haryana IPS suicide: DGP likely to be sent on leave

Haryana IPS suicide: DGP likely to be sent on leave

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini held a meeting with top officials to address concerns related to the death of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. The government is considering actions based on a complaint filed by Kumar's wife.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Meet Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the next CJI

Meet Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the next CJI

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

From demonetisation to sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes to bulldozers, Justice Gavai has been part of several judgments.