Bhubaneswar, Feb. 6 -- Bhubaneswar: No special column for OBC (Other Backward Class) category will be marked in the upcoming census 2020-21 as requested by the ruling Biju Janata Dal in Odisha, informed Union MoS Nityananda Rai of MHA in Rajya Sabha yesterday.

Responding to a question by V Vijayasai Reddy on the Registrar General's decision to exclude data collection of OBCs in the 2021 census, the MoS of Home Affairs said, "The census schedule is designed in consultation with all stakeholders including central ministries. The intent of the Government for conducting 2021 census has been notified in the Gazette of India on March 28, 2019."

"In census, the castes and tribes which are specifically notified as scheduled castes/scheduled tri...