News for 'Scheduled Castes'

SC/STs not homogeneous, observes top court in quota within quota hearing

SC/STs not homogeneous, observes top court in quota within quota hearing

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

The Supreme Court, examining whether states can sub-classify Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for grant of quota inside quota, on Wednesday said all SCs and STs may not be homogeneous in terms of their sociological, economic, education and social status.

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, whose political influence has surged with the passage of time, on Monday was marked by bitter trading of charges between the ruling BJP and opposition parties as they fought for his legacy.

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Amit Shah seemingly encouraging AIADMK dissident Sengottaiyan after party boss Edappadi K Palaniswami had removed his one-time mentor from all party posts has not gone down well with party cadres. They are now ready to buy Team EPS' theory that the BJP and Amit Shah are out to liquidate the AIADMK, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A new report, "India Justice Report 2025", highlights the stark gender disparity in India's police force, with less than 1,000 women holding senior positions like Director-Generals and Superintendents of Police. Despite growing awareness about the need for gender diversity in law enforcement, not a single state or Union Territory has met its target for women's representation in the police force. The report also emphasizes the significant challenges faced by the justice system as a whole, including infrastructural deficiencies, overcrowding in prisons, and inadequate staffing levels. The report calls for systemic reforms to address these issues and ensure a more equitable and accessible justice system for all.

No SC status to Dalits who embraced Islam, Christianity: Centre to SC

No SC status to Dalits who embraced Islam, Christianity: Centre to SC

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

The bench was informed by advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation and others, that the Centre has filed an affidavit saying it wants to appoint another commission to examine the issue.

How Akhilesh Defeated BJP In UP

How Akhilesh Defeated BJP In UP

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

Akhilesh's fielding candidates from a broad spectrum of castes, not just Yadavs, and with the BJP losing in several seats in Purvanchal, suggests that smaller OBC communities shifted from the BJP to the SP in the region.

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at the University of Oxford, stressed the importance of inclusive development and stated that division in society is counterproductive. She emphasized that her governance model prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society and does not allow discrimination, highlighting the state's diverse population and the need for a human-centric approach.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.

Why practice, then back out?: Afridi rips into Indian players

Why practice, then back out?: Afridi rips into Indian players

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Afridi's remarks came as organisers confirmed the Indian pullout followed public backlash after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22- an episode that has now cast a shadow over the tournament.

Video shows men in SUV with DMK flag chasing women in Chennai

Video shows men in SUV with DMK flag chasing women in Chennai

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

A video clip showing women being chased and intimidated by men in a SUV with a DMK flag has gone viral in Chennai. Opposition leaders have condemned the incident and demanded action against the accused. Police are investigating the incident.

Odisha college girl blackmailed by boyfriend, gang-raped for days

Odisha college girl blackmailed by boyfriend, gang-raped for days

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Six people, including a minor, were arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old college student for several days and videographing the act in Odisha's Cuttack district, police said on Friday.

'ECI Has No Right To Ask Anyone To Apologise'

'ECI Has No Right To Ask Anyone To Apologise'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

'The EC should not have let the initiative go into the hands of the political leadership. By allowing this to happen, they have opened a Pandora's box.'

The Amjad Khan You Never Knew

The Amjad Khan You Never Knew

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'The second Sunday after Sholay's release, Amjad and Shehla had taken Shadaab to Juhu beach. They were strolling leisurely when, to Shehla's shock, he suddenly picked up their son, grabbed her hand and pulled her along, urging her to run. They raced towards their car and had just managed to get in and lock the doors when all hell broke loose. Hundreds started banging on the car, shouting, 'Gabbar Singh bahar niklo!''

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

Is This Why Trump Turned On India?

Is This Why Trump Turned On India?

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Trade, defence cooperation and regional strategy had long formed the backbone of India-US ties, but the latest rift shows how quickly those pillars can be shaken by personal grievances and political optics.

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A strong demand was made in the Lok Sabha to eliminate online betting and gambling applications. YSRCP member Maddila Gurumoorthy urged the government to set up a dedicated task force to take action against betting and gambling apps. He also asked the government to draft regulations for such applications and launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of online betting. Other issues raised included deposit insurance coverage for bank depositors, representation of Scheduled Castes in the Kerala government, challenges faced by nurses, and the need for paramilitary forces in Jharkhand during upcoming Hindu festivals.

Dalit boy tied, beaten up for plucking pomegranate in Telangana

Dalit boy tied, beaten up for plucking pomegranate in Telangana

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

A 14-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly tied up and beaten by a man on the outskirts of Hyderabad for plucking a pomegranate from his house, police said on Wednesday.

Hemant Soren distributes portfolios; keeps home, gives finance to Cong

Hemant Soren distributes portfolios; keeps home, gives finance to Cong

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has distributed portfolios among the new ministers, keeping key departments such as Home, Personnel, and several others to himself. The Congress' Radhakrishna Kishore was given Finance, Commercial Tax, Planning and Development Department, and Parliamentary Affairs departments. JMM's Deepak Biruwa was allotted the departments of Revenue, Registration and Land Reforms (non-registration), and Transport. Chamra Linda, another JMM leader, was allotted the departments of Schedule Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes (except Minority Welfare). RJD's Sanjay Prasad Yadav was given the departments of Industries, and Labour, Planning, Training and Skill Development. The Congress' Irfan Ansari got Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, besides Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, and Disaster Management departments. The chief minister also kept to himself the departments of Cabinet Secretariat, Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Official Language, Road Construction, Building Construction, and those departments yet to be distributed to anyone. Among the other ministers, JMM's Ramdas Soren was given the School Education and Literacy, and Registration departments. Party colleague Hafizul Hasan was allotted the departments of Water Resources, and Minority Welfare Department. Panchayati Raj, Rural Works, and Rural Development departments were given to Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh. The CM gave Drinking Water and Sanitation, and Excise and Prohibition departments to JMM's Yogendra Prasad. JMM legislator Sudhivya Kumar became the minister for Urban Development and Housing, Higher and Technical Education, and Tourism, Art Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs departments. Shilpi Neha Tirkey of the Congress was allotted Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative Department. A total of 11 MLAs took oath as ministers in the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand on Thursday.

'Nation first': Sponsor quits India-Pak WCL clash

'Nation first': Sponsor quits India-Pak WCL clash

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The two sides are set to face each other in the semi-finals of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL), but deepening diplomatic strains and strong public sentiment in India have cast serious doubt on whether the match will actually take place.

HC cancels caste certificate of Maha MP Navneet Rana

HC cancels caste certificate of Maha MP Navneet Rana

Rediff.com8 Jun 2021

Rana was elected from Maharashtra's Amravati Lok Sabha seat in 2019. She is an Independent MP backed by the NCP.

Congress promises nationwide caste census, women's quota asap if voted to power

Congress promises nationwide caste census, women's quota asap if voted to power

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

The Congress on Monday promised that a government led by it will conduct a nationwide caste census and implement 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies at the earliest, including adequate representation for women belonging to the OBC community.

Ranbir-Yash's Ramayana: All The Details Here

Ranbir-Yash's Ramayana: All The Details Here

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

The first glimpse of Director Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana was unveiled at a packed IMAX auditorium in Mumbai.

SC gives Centre 3 weeks for stand on quota benefits for Dalit converts

SC gives Centre 3 weeks for stand on quota benefits for Dalit converts

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

One of the public interest litigations filed in the apex court has sought reservation for converted Dalits on the same footing as is extended to the Scheduled Castes following Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

Amid Ambedkar row, Kejriwal announces scholarship for Dalits

Amid Ambedkar row, Kejriwal announces scholarship for Dalits

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

In the run-up to the assembly elections in Delhi, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal announced an Ambedkar scholarship for free foreign education of the city's Dalit students. The scholarship is a response to the BJP's "insult" of Ambedkar, Kejriwal said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah "insulted and made fun of Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar in Parliament. Crores of people who love Ambedkar were deeply pained," the former Delhi chief minister said. Kejriwal added that the scholarship is a response to the insult meted out by the BJP to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Under the scheme, any Dalit student from Delhi will be able to receive education in foreign universities. If they get admission in any such university, the Delhi government will bear the entire cost of their education, travel and accommodation. Children of government employees will also be eligible for the scheme.

Dalit boy stripped, forced to dance for wire theft

Dalit boy stripped, forced to dance for wire theft

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

A purported video showing the boy dancing to a song with four to five men sitting around surfaced online. In the video, the men were compelling the boy to dance with a smile.

Bihar govt moves SC challenging HC verdict striking down quota hike

Bihar govt moves SC challenging HC verdict striking down quota hike

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

The Bihar government has moved the Supreme Court challenging a Patna high court verdict that has set aside the amended reservation laws in the state, which enabled the Nitish Kumar government to increase the quotas for Dalits, tribals and backward classes from 50 per cent to 65 per cent.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

'Islam has another law': Grand Mufti who helped defer Nimisha's execution

'Islam has another law': Grand Mufti who helped defer Nimisha's execution

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The Grand Mufti said that in Islam, there is a law which allows the victim's family to pardon the murderer.

RCB Fans Rejoice: Victory Parade Confirmed!

RCB Fans Rejoice: Victory Parade Confirmed!

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The state government has planned a formal felicitation ceremony at the iconic steps of the Vidhana Soudha.

'I'm The Only Acknowledged Dalit In All Of Hindi Cinema History'

'I'm The Only Acknowledged Dalit In All Of Hindi Cinema History'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'If you look around the world at people of colour, religion, caste, sexuality or any of the marginalised communities, we are always talking in numbers.' 'We are always assigning them a statistic.' 'That is an easy way to assuage your urban guilt. Because you hide your apathy with hollow sympathy.' 'We are, in a way, making them invisible.'

EC kicks off process to elect Dhankhar's successor

EC kicks off process to elect Dhankhar's successor

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India has initiated the process to hold the vice presidential election following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation. The electoral college is being constituted, and the election schedule will be announced soon.

Blow to Nitish as Patna HC stays Bihar govt's caste survey

Blow to Nitish as Patna HC stays Bihar govt's caste survey

Rediff.com4 May 2023

Hearing a bunch of petitions, a division bench of Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Madhuresh Prasad directed the government to immediately stop the caste-based survey, and ensure that the data already collected are secured and not shared with anybody till final orders are passed.

Can Channi's caste, Sidhu's ploys win Punjab for Cong?

Can Channi's caste, Sidhu's ploys win Punjab for Cong?

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

After many years, intricate caste calculations will dominate politics in Punjab.

'Why Has Maharashtra Become So Cruel?'

'Why Has Maharashtra Become So Cruel?'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'What attitude has spawned such gruesomeness in the state of Saint Tukaram, Saint Dnyaneshwar, and great leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Chhatrapati Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar?'

UP: School principal removed for creating caste divide in class

UP: School principal removed for creating caste divide in class

Rediff.com13 May 2016

A principal in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district worked out his own "caste arithmetic", segregating students of Class IX on the basis of their caste and appointing class teachers on a similar basis, prompting authorities to remove him.

Rohith Vemula not a Dalit, he ended life because....: Police closure report

Rohith Vemula not a Dalit, he ended life because....: Police closure report

Rediff.com3 May 2024

The Cyberabad police that investigated the case informed the court that Rohith Vemula did not belong to Scheduled Caste and that he was aware of it.

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

EC notices to Cong, BJP over Rahul, Shah speeches

EC notices to Cong, BJP over Rahul, Shah speeches

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

Top leaders of the two parties are campaigning in Jharkhand and Maharashtra for the ongoing assembly polls in the two states.

BJP is 'party of terrorists': Kharge hits back at Modi over 'urban naxal' jibe

BJP is 'party of terrorists': Kharge hits back at Modi over 'urban naxal' jibe

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

Kharge also accused those in the saffron party of "lynching and beating" people, and committing atrocities against SC/STs.

Nitish, Tejashwi to meet Modi on Aug 23, to discuss caste-based census

Nitish, Tejashwi to meet Modi on Aug 23, to discuss caste-based census

Rediff.com19 Aug 2021

"I had sought an appointment with the PM to meet him along with an all-party delegation from Bihar, including RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, to discuss the issue of a caste-based census. I thank him for giving us time next Monday at 11 am," Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar told reporters in Patna.