Rae Bareli, Oct 3 (PTI) A day after the Bihar government released figures of the caste survey conducted by it, BJP ally and Union minister Anupriya Patel on Tuesday pitched for a nationwide caste census and demanded a separate ministry dedicated to the welfare of the Other Backward Classes.

Addressing a meeting of her party, the Apna Dal (S) leader said a caste census is very much needed so that authentic statistics about backward castes, including their population, is known and their problems and issues effectively addressed.

Also Read | Arms Smugglers Arrested in Delhi: Two Women Arms Traffickers Held by Delhi Police, Supplied Over 200 Illegal Pistols in City.

The Apna Dal (S) has always been in the favour of a caste census, Patel, a backward leader, said.

Noting that the OBCs are the biggest demographic bloc, he called for a separate ministry for their welfare. "This is the need of the hour," she said.

Also Read | Hate Speech in India: 107 MPs and MLAs Have Declared Cases Relating to ‘Hate Speeches’; Most From BJP, Reveals ADR Report.

Patel also pitched for more representation of the weaker sections of society in higher judiciary, saying high courts and the Supreme Court should reflect the social diversity.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)