BJD MP Sasmit Patra Demands Enumeration of SEBC, OBC Caste Data in 2021 Census

New Delhi: BJD MP Dr. Sasmit Patra today demanded the need to conduct a socio-economic caste enumeration during the general census in 2021.

In his remarks in Rajya Sabha on Motion of Thanks on President’s Address, Patra said that Babasaheb Ambedkar’s principle of social justice can be achieved by enumerating SEBC and OBC caste data in the Census 2021.

“In Para 3 of the Hon’ble President’s Address, he has referred to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s principle of social justice. I welcome the President’s sentiments. But to ensure social justice, we also need to enumerate SEBC and OBC caste data in the Census 2021 as has been requested by a resolution of the Odisha’s Ministerial Cabinet. I hope the Union Government considers this positively”, the BJD MP said.

The Odisha MP also demanded revision of coal royalty for the State.

He said, “Odisha contributes Rs.20,000 crore towards clean energy cess suffering mining pollution but does not receive a single rupee from this cess. It loses Rs.2000 Crores annually due to non-revision of Coal royalty since 2014”.

“In his Speech, the President speaks of a new India, where every region develops and no region is left behind. I thank him for his vision. However, the fact is stranger than reality”, Patra said citing the example of Odisha.

“Odisha contributes Rs.20,000 Crores towards Clean Energy Cess suffering mining pollution but does not receive a single rupee from this Cess. It loses Rs.2000 Crores annually due to non-revision of Coal royalty since 2014. Are these examples of inclusive growth for every region? No. It’s not. I hope the Government rectifies these inconsistencies and vindicates the speech of Hon’ble President,” the BJD MP told the Rajya Sabha.

Patra also demanded setting up a national tribal museum in Odisha.

He said, “In Para 14 of the President’s Address, I welcome his view and I quote, “My Government is following the mantra of “Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas, Sab ka Vishwas” unquote. However, it needs to reflect in action. Odisha is forgotten when Government identifies 5 iconic archaeological sites, forgotten when 17 iconic tourist sites are identified, forgotten to deserve a national tribal museum while 64 tribal groups live in Odisha. Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas, Sab ka Vishwas will stay incomplete when deserving states like Odisha are sadly forgotten. I hope the Government relooks at these issues and helps fulfil the vision of the Hon’ble President in this regard”.

Besides, the BJD MP also demanded better better tele-density in telecommunications and Banking density for digital inclusion and empowerment in Odisha.

“About 10,000 villages in Odisha which come under Left Wing Extremists affected area do not have telecommunication facilities as per a survey by the Ministry of Telecommunications”, he said.