Here’s the latest and major India-wide news on Scheduled Castes (SCs) as of 1 February 2026, including policy changes, state-wise developments, and important national legal updates:

🇮🇳 National / Supreme Court Update

Supreme Court refuses PIL on caste data process for 2027 census — The Supreme Court on Feb 2, 2026 declined a petition challenging how caste data would be recorded and verified in the upcoming 2027 national census, though it asked authorities to consider suggestions for transparency.

🔍 State-Level Scheduled Caste News & Policy Changes

📍 Telangana

Telangana is first state to implement SC sub-categorisation — Telangana officially issued a government order implementing Scheduled Caste sub-categorisation, dividing SC communities into groups for reservation in education and government jobs after the Supreme Court allowed such classification.

📍 Haryana

State commits to SC welfare and land rights initiatives — On the birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, Haryana announced multiple SC welfare measures, including land ownership rights for SC families, exclusive use of SC funds, and upcoming policy changes in reservations and promotions.
Sub-classification of SC reservations being implemented — Haryana has begun to implement sub-classification of SCs for reservation, following the Supreme Court’s decision.

📍 Punjab / National Outreach

PM Modi highlighted Ravidas’s ideals for SC upliftment — The Prime Minister, at a major event in Punjab (Jalandhar), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equality and welfare for the Dalit community, specifically by promoting the teachings of Sant Ravidas and linking them with inclusive development goals.

📍 Karnataka

Caste census report expected soon — Karnataka’s Chief Minister announced that the state’s caste census results — including detailed SC data — will be released within the next one to two months, following a comprehensive survey.
State prepares internal quota implementation — The Karnataka government agreed to set up a commission to implement internal quotas within the SC category as allowed by the Supreme Court ruling.

🧠 Why These Developments Matter

SC Sub-Categorisation — This reform seeks to distribute reservation benefits more equitably among groups within the SC category that may be differently disadvantaged. Telangana’s move is the first official execution of this policy at the state level.
Caste Data in 2027 Census — Inclusion of caste enumeration in the national census for the first time in decades will create state-wise and sub-caste data that could shape future SC policy and reservation formulas.
Political and Welfare Focus — Leading political figures associating SC welfare with broader development and social justice narratives reflects an active policy focus on Scheduled Castes across states.

🗂️ Quick Snapshot: SC News by State (as of Feb 1, 2026)

State	Key SC Development
Telangana	First to implement SC sub-categorisation for reservation.
Haryana	Welfare initiatives announced; sub-classification of reservation underway.
Punjab	National-level outreach emphasizing SC inclusion.
Karnataka	Caste census report nearing release; preparing internal quotas.
National	Supreme Court discusses caste data collection procedures for 2027 census.

Here’s a state-wise overview of the latest Scheduled Tribe (ST) news in India as of 1 February 2026 — focusing on major developments, protests, policy proposals, and tribal welfare issues across different regions.

🗳️ National & Political Highlights

🇮🇳 Assam – Tribal Rights & ST Status Debate

Jharkhand CM accuses Assam of tribal exploitation — On the eve of elections, Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren claimed the Assam government is undermining tribal welfare and rights, highlighting political tensions around tribal issues in the region.
Ongoing demand for ST status for six communities — Tai Ahoms, Tea Tribes (Adivasis), Moran, Motok, Chutia, and Koch-Rajbongshi are pressing for inclusion as STs (currently OBCs in Assam). Protests and political pressure continue, especially ahead of the 2026 elections.
- Several thousands of Adivasi tea workers have previously marched in Dibrugarh demanding ST recognition and better wages/opportunities if ST status is granted.
- Tribal organisations are also opposing these inclusions, fearing dilution of current ST reservation benefits.

📌 State-Wise Developments

🪵 Telangana

Medaram Jatara festival draws tribal attention — One of the largest tribal cultural festivals began with official and community participation, highlighting tribal heritage and issues.

🌾 Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh launches tribal uplift campaign — The state government started a focused campaign for tribal communities like Musahar and Vantangia, with economic support, self-help groups, and access to welfare schemes.

🩺 Maharashtra

Life insurance for tribal women — Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a scheme offering 1 lakh life insurance coverage for tribal women, aiming to strengthen financial security in tribal regions.

🧠 Welfare, Identity & Political Representation Issues

📍 Assam ST Status Protests & Policy Moves

Ongoing historic debate in Assam on ST status for non-ST tribal communities continues to be a major issue, with protests, government proposals, and political ramifications.

📍 Kerala ST Inclusion Demand

Congress (Priyanka Gandhi) pushes for Scheduled Tribe status for the Kunduvadiyan community in Kerala, citing long-standing marginalisation. A formal request was sent to the state ST welfare minister.

📈 Trends and Broader Issues

📊 Data & Policy Context

Scheduled communities (including STs) are set to be enumerated in the 2027 census, which will create the most detailed caste population dataset in decades (though not exclusively ST news, it’s relevant context for future policy).

📉 Child Sex Ratio among STs

Separate data (older but indicative of ongoing concern) shows declining child sex ratios among many tribal groups, highlighting deep development disparities.

📍 Summary: ST News by Region

State / Region	Major ST News (Feb 1 2026)
Assam	Protests & political debate on ST status for six communities; pressure from tribal and non-tribal groups.
Telangana	Cultural tribal festival Medaram Jatara begins with state involvement.
Uttar Pradesh	Tribal uplift campaign launched with economic support schemes.
Maharashtra	New life insurance scheme for tribal women announced.
Kerala	Political push for ST status inclusion for Kunduvadiyan community.

Here’s a *state-wise and India-wide summary of Dr. Ambedkar and Buddha-related news on 1–2 February 2026:

🇮🇳 Nationwide/All-India Highlights

🟦 Ambedkar Community & Social Initiatives

Foundation stone for Ambedkar Bhawan laid in Punjab (Longowal): Punjab Minister Aman Arora inaugurated the project (≈ ₹1.20 Cr), stating it will promote Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideals of social justice, equality and education and serve as a hub for cultural and community programs.

☸️ Buddha-Related Cultural/Religious Event

Buddhist devotees view sacred Buddha relics in Patna: Large crowds gathered to pay respects to Buddha’s relics in a spiritually significant event attended by dignitaries, highlighting peace, devotion, and Buddhist cultural heritage.

🗂 Selected State / Regional Notes

While detailed state-by-state official news was not widely published specifically on Feb 1–2, 2026, several local developments related to Ambedkar and Buddham can be inferred:

🟨 Maharashtra

Thousands congregated at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary — a traditional pilgrimage site where Ambedkar embraced Buddhism.
Significance: Deekshabhoomi is a sacred Buddhist monument and a focal point for Ambedkarite celebrations in Maharashtra.

🟩 Delhi

Dr. Ambedkar National Honour Ceremony hosted at Delhi University’s Gandhi Bhavan on Feb 2, with 30 distinguished citizens awarded for their service in fields like social welfare, education, literature, and journalism in the spirit of Ambedkar’s ideals.

🟥 Uttar Pradesh

Ongoing social discourse around Ambedkar’s legacy, including discussions on enhanced security for Ambedkar statues in UP after recent vandalism incidents — reflecting heightened attention on preserve his symbols and heritage (announced by CM Yogi Adityanath).

🟪 Other States (Contextual / Broader Trends)

Nashik (Maharashtra) residents planning protest over alleged omission of Ambedkar’s name in government event remarks — showing active civic engagement around his legacy.
Protests after an Ambedkar statue vandalism incident in Kakori (Lucknow area, UP) continued to draw attention to public sentiment and demands for justice.

📌 Related National Policy / Cultural Developments

Although not strictly Feb 1–2 headlines, these broader items relate to Ambedkar/Buddha themes in current India:

🧭 Buddhist Circuit Infrastructure Initiative

Union Budget 2026–27 proposed development of a Buddhist Circuit through northeastern states to promote heritage tourism and economic benefits — reinforcing national attention on Buddhist heritage.

📍 Context: Who Are They

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, a champion of social justice and equality, and a key figure in India’s modern democratic foundation.
Buddha (Gautama) is the founder of Buddhism, and his relics and teachings continue to be culturally and spiritually significant across India.
Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956 with lakhs of followers, shaping a modern Buddhist revival movement known as Navayana Buddhism.

🧠 Notes for Readers

Some of the news items related to Ambedkar and Buddha themes on these dates are part of ongoing cultural, religious and social engagements rather than single official proclamations by states.
For precise state government notifications (for example holidays or localized events), local government bulletins or press releases on relevant dates are recommended.

Here’s a **comprehensive summary of the latest **Employment News (Government + PSU + State-wise updates) relevant to 01.02.2026 / early February 2026 across India (central govt, state govt & PSU recruitment + major vacancies you can apply for right now):

📌 National (Central Government & PSU)

🔹 Central Govt + PSUs – Current Openings & Notifications

Railways (RRB Group D): ~22,000 Level-1 posts (applications open till 02 Mar 2026). Roles cover various group D posts across Indian Railways.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Office Attendant recruitment ~572 posts; applications close 04 Feb 2026.
India Post – GDS Recruitment: ~20,000+ Branch Post Master & Assistant BPM posts; merit-based (no written test), last date 14 Feb 2026.
UCO Bank (SO/Officer): 173 Specialist Officer/Officer posts; 02 Feb 2026 is the last day to submit applications.
CSIR – CRRI Vacancies: Recruitment for Multi-Tasking Staff, Translator & Security Assistant at CRRI New Delhi (applications open).
NCERT Recruitment: Applications started for 117 teaching & librarian posts at NCERT campuses across India.

👉 Estimated total govt & PSU vacancies this month: 40,000+ posts across Central & state departments, financial institutions, reserve forces, railways, banking, postal & educational sector jobs.

📌 State-Wise Government Job Updates

Here are the key state govt recruitment notifications and news you can follow:

🟢 Haryana

Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) increased vacancies for Stenographers & Typists (193 new posts). Online portal opening 06 Feb 2026.

🟢 Rajasthan

Rajasthan LDC & Clerk Recruitment: ~10,644 positions for LDC & Clerk Grade-II (last date mid-February).
Rajasthan Forest Guard: ~259 posts with PEC + Physical tests — last date 04 Feb 2026.

🟢 Other States / Commissions

Although not exactly dated 01 Feb, large planned recruitments for 2026 include:

Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) to conduct exams for ~12,000+ posts (Feb – July 2026).
Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) Feb exam calendar released (multiple direct recruitments/exams).
Other states like MP (MPPSC SSE notifications), UPSSC/BSSC/BPSC have ongoing planners for 2026 recruitments (detailed vacancy announcements coming soon).

📌 Sector-wise Breakdown

Sector	Major Notifications & Vacancies
Railways	RRB Group D – ~22,000 posts (Central)
Banking & Financial	RBI Office Attendant & UCO Bank SO/Officer posts
Postal	India Post GDS – ~20,000+ vacancies
Education	NCERT – Teaching & Librarian roles
Research & Govt Institutes	CSIR-CRRI MTS & support staff
State Govt Roles	Haryana SSC, Rajasthan LDC/Forest Guard, multiple state PSC exams starting soon

📌 Important Deadlines to Remember

🗓 02 Feb 2026: UCO Bank recruitment closes.
🗓 04 Feb 2026: RBI Office Attendant applications close.
🗓 Mid-Feb 2026: Many state govt notices (Rajasthan LDC, SBI CBO, etc.) closing.
🗓 02 Mar 2026: RRB Group-D apply by.

📌 Tips to Apply

Check eligibility criteria first (age, qualification & state domicile if applicable).
Visit official portals (e.g., railways.gov.in, rbi.org.in, ucobank.com, indiapost.gov.in, ncert.nic.in).
Keep documents ready — ID, education certificates, passport photo, signature.
Note fee & selection process (some posts are merit-based, others need exams/interviews).

Report finds Adivasi, Muslim, and Dalit communities targeted through politically driven violence in Telangana

A fact-finding report released by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has concluded that recent incidents of communal violence and social tension across Telangana are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of politically driven polarisation, institutional bias, and administrative failure, particularly affecting Adivasi, Muslim, Dalit, and other marginalised communities.

Titled “Belonging, Coexistence & Fractures: Documenting State Atrocities and Fractured Coexistence in Telangana”, the report is based on field visits, survivor testimonies, interviews with local residents and activists, and an analysis of official records across multiple districts, including Hyderabad, Medchal–Malkajgiri, Narayanpet, Medak, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Adilabad, and Bhainsa.

According to the report’s executive summary, many flashpoints in Telangana began as local disputes over land, religious practice, noise, interpersonal conflicts, or administrative decisions, but were subsequently escalated into communal confrontations through organised political mobilisation, misinformation campaigns, and provocative public actions.

The report attributes a central role in this escalation to right-wing organisations and affiliated local networks, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.

A key outcome of the report is its finding that state institutions, especially the police and district administrations, have frequently failed to act impartially.

In several cases documented by APCR, members of Muslim and other minority communities faced delayed police responses, excessive force, false criminal cases, custodial violence, or pressure to withdraw complaints.

Oversight bodies such as the SC/ST Commission and the National Human Rights Commission were described as largely inaccessible or ineffective at the ground level, contributing to what the report terms a “climate of impunity.”

The report also highlights how communal narratives are being used to divert attention from structural issues such as land alienation, unemployment, erosion of public services, and unequal access to welfare schemes.

It notes that Adivasi, Dalit, and Muslim communities, despite sharing similar economic vulnerabilities, are increasingly positioned against one another through identity-based mobilisation, weakening possibilities for collective resistance.

Importantly, APCR’s findings do not portray Telangana as uniformly divided.

The report documents several instances where communities have resisted polarisation, continued everyday coexistence, and intervened to prevent violence.

Civil society groups, women, and youth initiatives are identified as playing a critical role in supporting survivors and de-escalating tensions in the absence of effective state intervention.

Concluding its assessment, the report states that communal violence in Telangana is neither inevitable nor driven primarily by grassroots hostility.

Instead, it argues that such violence is increasingly “manufactured and sustained” through political strategies that benefit from social division.

APCR said the report is intended to serve as a starting point for further public scrutiny, institutional accountability, and policy intervention aimed at safeguarding coexistence, dignity, and constitutional rights in Telangana.

Speaking to Maktoob, Nadeem Khan, national secretary of APCR, said, “Our findings show that communal violence in Telangana is not spontaneous or inevitable. In most cases, local disputes are deliberately escalated through political mobilisation, misinformation, and selective state action.”

He added, “What we repeatedly observed on the ground was the manufacture of communal flashpoints—small, resolvable issues being transformed into large-scale tensions through organised intervention by right-wing groups.”

He further said, attributing this to the report, “Adivasi, Muslim, Dalit, and other marginalised communities are being pitted against one another, despite sharing the same vulnerabilities—land insecurity, unemployment, and weak access to welfare,” and that “instead of acting as neutral protectors, state institutions often became part of the problem. Delayed responses, biased policing, and false cases against victims were recurring patterns across districts.”

“Communal violence in Telangana today is better understood as a political strategy than a social reality. Division benefits those in power, while ordinary people bear the cost,” Khan told Maktoob.

The report calls for independent investigations into cases of custodial deaths and alleged fake encounters, accountability for hate speech and inflammatory mobilisation, protection of land and housing rights, and reforms to ensure equal treatment of all communities by law enforcement and administrative authorities.

Ghazala Ahmad

Courtesy : Maktoob Media

UP: Dalit Youth Playing ‘Ravana’ in Ramlila Loses Eye, FIR Filed Against Youth Playing ‘Rama’

Incident during Ramlila in Sonbhadra: 'Rama' shot sharp arrows into 'Ravana's' eye from a distance of 5 feet, savings exhausted on treatment, now receiving death threats

Sonbhadra: A shocking and disturbing incident has come to light from Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. Here, during a Ramlila performance, the interplay of faith and acting turned into lifelong darkness for a Dalit youth. The right eye of 35-year-old Sunil Kumar, who was playing the role of ‘Ravana’ on stage, was completely damaged by an arrow shot by the youth playing the character of ‘Lord Rama’. The victim alleges that this was not merely an accident, but a deliberate attack.

Several months after the incident, an FIR was registered at Shahganj police station on Thursday.

What is the whole matter?

According to the complaint filed with the police, the incident took place on November 13 last year, on the concluding day of the Ramlila festival. The victim, Sunil Kumar, who had been playing the role of Ravana for the past eight years, was busy with his performance on stage. This year, the character of Lord Rama was being played by 22-year-old Naithik Pandey, for whom this was his first year.

Sunil Kumar told the Indian Express, “I have been associated with Ramlila for many years. According to the script, on the last day, Rama has to shoot a wooden arrow at Ravana. The instructions were clear that the arrow would only be aimed at the crown placed on Ravana’s head. But Naithik Pandey did not use the arrow provided by the Ramlila organizing committee.”

It is alleged that Naithik had brought a special sharp arrow made of hardwood with him. During the scene, he was supposed to shoot only one arrow, but he fired several arrows one after another from a very short distance of about 5 feet. One of these arrows hit Sunil directly in his right eye. Savings exhausted in treatment, job also lost

Sunil Kumar, who worked on contract with the municipal corporation, has had his life completely changed after this incident. As soon as the arrow struck, blood started flowing from his eye, and people present at the scene immediately took him to the hospital.

Sharing his pain, Sunil said, “Since the incident, I have undergone two surgeries, but my eyesight has not returned. My treatment is ongoing at a private hospital in Varanasi, which has consumed a large part of my savings. Due to this accident, I have also lost my job. Now, I, my wife, and my three-month-old child are completely dependent on my three brothers for financial support.”

Casteist abuses and death threats

The victim’s brother, Shivam Lal Kumar, has also named Ram Snehi Singh, the Ramlila organizer, as a co-accused in his complaint. The complaint states that the day after the incident, when the victim’s family went to Ram Snehi Singh’s house and said that since the artists were working under his supervision, he should bear the cost of the treatment, they were mistreated.

It is alleged that Ram Snehi Singh and Naitik Pandey not only refused to pay for the treatment but also used “filthy and casteist abuses” against them and threatened to kill them. The victim’s family says that they went to the police immediately after the incident, but due to prioritizing Sunil’s treatment, they could not pursue the case at that time. Recently, when his brother contacted the police again, the case was finally registered.

Police action

Shahganj police station in-charge (SHO) Ram Singhasan informed that the investigation of the case has been handed over to Circle Officer (CO) Rahul Pandey. Currently, no arrests have been made in this case.

The police have registered a case against the accused under sections 125 (endangering the life or personal safety of others), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In addition, the accused have also been charged under various sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Rajan Chaudhary

Courtesy: Hindi News

Interview | Atrocities against Dalits rising amid growth of communal forces in Tamil Nadu: VCK’s Ravikumar

There is no denying that atrocities against Dalits are on the rise. This trend is closely linked to the growing presence of communal forces in the state. The government also has a responsibility to contain this situation.

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Thol Thirumavalavan, is a constituent of the ruling DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu.

Originally formed as the Dalit Panthers Iyakkam (DPI), inspired by the Dalit Panthers movement in Maharashtra, the organisation underwent a significant transformation over the years. Thirumavalavan, who was earlier associated with the DMK’s student wing, assumed leadership following the death of the DPI’s founder, M. Malalchami, in 1989. After the disintegration of the Dalit Panthers movement in Maharashtra, Thirumavalavan reconstituted the organisation as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the VCK won four of the six seats allotted to it as part of the DMK-led front. As the state gears up for the 2026 polls, Thirumavalavan has indicated that the party will seek a larger share of seats from its ally. He has also made it clear that the VCK will not be part of any alliance that includes the BJP or the PMK.

In this context, Online Desk of The New Indian Express (TNIE) spoke to VCK MP (Villupuram) and noted writer D. Ravikumar to understand the party’s political stance, its future course, and to respond to some of the allegations levelled against it.

What do you perceive as the most serious political threat or challenge Tamil Nadu is facing in the run-up to the 2026 State elections?

Our primary concern is the growing influence of communal forces. These divisive elements are deliberately raising issues to polarise people along communal lines. This strategy is not new; it has been consistently employed by such forces. The Thiruparankundram lamp lighting issue is a clear example. Tamil Nadu must be protected from these divisive forces that threaten its social harmony.

How is the VCK shaping its strategy for the upcoming polls?

We are part of a strong anti-BJP coalition. The BJP’s politics pose a direct threat to the Constitution of India. Our campaign will centre on safeguarding the Constitution, as any dilution of constitutional values would leave Dalits and minorities without protection. We will also highlight key issues such as increasing the percentage of Dalit reservation and extending reservation to the private sector.

There is a perception that some allies, including the Communist parties and the VCK, have been relatively silent on major issues such as the alleged deterioration of law and order under the DMK government. How do you respond?

First of all, Tamil Nadu is far better placed than many other states—especially those ruled by the BJP—when it comes to law and order. The fact that Tamil Nadu consistently ranks among the top states and remains a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) demonstrates that the law-and-order situation is not as dire as opposition parties claim.

Social media has also played a role in bringing crimes to public attention more rapidly, which is actually a positive development. It is ironic, and frankly ridiculous, that BJP leaders speak about women’s safety when their own governance record raises serious questions.

What are the key issues Dalits in Tamil Nadu face today?

There is no denying that atrocities against Dalits are on the rise. This trend is closely linked to the growing presence of communal forces in the state. The government also has a responsibility to contain this situation. While the state government has constituted a commission to make recommendations on laws against honour killings and caste-based hate crimes, we are not fully satisfied with this approach. Our consistent demand has been for a comprehensive and enforceable law.

We are also deeply concerned about the increasing landlessness among Dalits. The Agricultural Census indicates a decline in Dalit landholdings in Tamil Nadu. We therefore demand the meaningful inclusion of Dalits in the economic development of the state.

How would you respond to criticism that your party’s strategy has been more alliance-focused than issue-focused?

That criticism is unfounded. The VCK stands firmly for the annihilation of caste and the pursuit of social justice. We go beyond narrow caste identities and follow the Ambedkarite path. Dr B.R. Ambedkar emphasised transcending caste identity as the true route to liberation and equality, and that remains our guiding principle.

There are reports that some Dalit voters and activists are dissatisfied with the performance of the VCK. Do you acknowledge these sentiments?

This perception is not accurate. Every political party has supporters from the Dalit community. There are also certain outfits representing Dalit sub-sects that operate primarily for personal or sectional gains. Such groups should not be mistaken as representative of the broader Dalit political sentiment.

Your views on actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)?

It is deeply concerning that people continue to support Vijay even after the Karur stampede, which claimed the lives of 41 of his fans. He did not visit the site and instead flew directly to Chennai. The kind of mob frenzy witnessed around Vijay is alarming. Fascism often evolves from the ground up, and such unchecked mass adulation is dangerous.

Gladwin Emmanuel

Courtesy : TNIE

01.02.2026.Untouchability News.(News of Dalits,Adivasi,atrocity,buddhist,Dr Ambedkar,Employement,Education news details from various sources)by Sivaji.Ayyayiram TeamUTNews.9444917060.