HP to conduct caste census in two phases

Caste and socio-economic census 2011 will be carried out in two phases in Himachal Pradesh — from October 12 to November 17 in the tribal areas and from November 14 to 19 in the rest of the state .

“The census will help in formulation of policies and programmes for various sections of society and also identify families to be covered under various poverty alleviation programmes,” a spokesman of the state government said.

The state cabinet has also given its approval for discontinuation of board examinations for 10 plus one in the state. This exam will now be conducted by the state’s education department .

It was also decided to transfer 2,322 rural water supply schemes to local panchayats, authorising them to engage water guards to undertake regular supply of water and operational tasks, the expenditure would be borne under NRDWP allocations and state funds. The national health insurance scheme has also been renewed for the next three years till February 2015 .

More eligible categories have been brought under the insurance fold .