Anupriya Patel urges census for backward classes and new community ministry

Anupriya Patel calls for a comprehensive census of backward classes and the creation of a special Ministry for Backward Classes to address their unique challenges.

Minister of State Anupriya Patel has recently called for a special effort to include the disadvantaged population group in the upcoming census and has proposed the creation of a new central ministry specifically for this community.

She made her remarks at a district-level workers’ conference of Apna Dal (S), her party, which is an ally in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

Call for comprehensive census of backward classes

Speaking at Civil Lines in Uttar Pradesh, Patel stressed the importance of accurately counting the population of the backward classes.

She referred to the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations in the 1990s, which estimated the backward class population at 52%. Considering the significant population growth since then, Patel stressed that India’s population is expected to reach 167 crore by 2047, with the backward class population growing proportionately.

“There are many problems and challenges that a large part of the population faces,” Patel noted. She argued that just as Ministries for Minority Welfare and Tribal Welfare were established to address the needs of those communities, a dedicated Ministry for Backward Classes is necessary to ensure justice and effective governance for the backward classes.

Proposal for a Ministry for the Backward Classes

Patel’s proposal for a Ministry of the Backward Classes aims to provide a targeted approach to address the unique challenges faced by this demographic. She believes that an accurate census of the backward class population will help in formulating better policies and programmes to support their development and well-being.

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“It is crucial to have a Ministry of the Disadvantaged that can provide the necessary support and respond to the specific needs of this significant population group,” Patel claimed.

Legal reforms and social diversity

Besides her advocacy for the underprivileged classes, Patel also spoke on the issue of judicial reform. She supported President Draupadi Murmu’s call to eliminate delays in the justice system and proposed an examination for all judicial positions in India. This, she said, would bring more social diversity to the judiciary and help address the shortage of judges.

“An all-India level examination would attract young talent from all corners of the country, thereby increasing social representation in the judiciary,” Patel explained.

Mobilizing party workers for the upcoming elections

Patel also used the occasion to mobilise her party workers for the upcoming by-elections in Uttar Pradesh. She urged them to work diligently to ensure victory of NDA candidates in the 10 Assembly seats up for grabs.

“Irrespective of the symbol or seats, all workers must do their utmost to ensure victory for NDA candidates and strengthen our presence in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly,” Patel concluded.

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