Bihar's Caste-Based Census Nears Completion

The state's district authorities have shown unwavering dedication to the project by harnessing digital technology to record the extensive data collected during the field survey. This innovative process is being facilitated through the BIJAGA (Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana) app, symbolizing Bihar's commitment to embracing modern methodologies, as PTI reported.?

Every District Magistrate (DM), holding the dual role of principal census officer, has demonstrated their commitment by formally declaring the completion of the second phase of the survey. This phase involves the meticulous filling of pro forma capturing a diverse range of 17 socio-economic indicators, including crucial caste-related information.

The advent of the BIJAGA app has been a game-changer, enabling seamless digital documentation of the comprehensive survey. Notably, the data entry process is being skillfully managed through the esteemed Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (BELTRON), a government undertaking. The expertise of technical professionals has been enlisted to ensure the swift and accurate digitalization of the collected data.

Revealing these groundbreaking advancements, a senior officer within the General Administration Department (GAD) shared insights on the condition of anonymity, emphasizing the strategic importance of this digital transformation.

Remarkably, Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh disclosed that a remarkable 77.65% of data from Patna district has already been diligently uploaded onto the BIJAGA App, reflecting the impressive pace at which this monumental task is being accomplished. The remaining data is poised for upload within the day, signifying an imminent triumph in the digitization of Bihar's caste-related demographic data.

Urgency surrounds this historic initiative, with officials and technical experts alike diligently working to expedite the data entry process, aiming to complete it by the end of the day. This proactive approach aligns with the directives of Bihar Chief Secretary Amir Subhani, who, through a virtual meeting, inspired district officials to accelerate the data entry work.

While the Supreme Court's August 7 decision not to halt the ongoing caste survey speaks volumes about the survey's significance, the next chapter unfolds as the court schedules a hearing on August 14 for a plea contesting the Patna High Court's endorsement of the survey's validity.

In the backdrop of this legal discourse, Bihar's relentless pursuit of an inclusive census has remained steadfast. The Patna High Court's prior dismissal of petitions contesting the caste survey's conduct further underlines the state's commitment to this comprehensive social exercise.

Embarking on this journey earlier this year, the state government conducted the initial phase of the survey – a household counting exercise – in January. The second phase, commenced on April 15, saw a concentrated effort to gather intricate data concerning people's caste identities and socio-economic conditions.

While the original timeline aimed for completion by May, the high court's temporary suspension on May 4 demonstrated the resilience of Bihar's resolve. A notable budget allocation of Rs 500 crore from the contingency fund underscores the magnitude and importance of this transformative undertaking.