Jhodias agree to participate in census process

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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com/2010/05/02/stories/2010050253240300.htm)
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Jhodias agree to participate in census process


Staff Reporter


BERHAMPUR: The Jhodia community in Rayagada district on Saturday agreed to participate in the continuing census process.
The leaders of the community decided to provide their personal data to the enumerators following a meeting with the Rayagada district Collector, Nitin Bhanudas Jawale. It may be noted that the members of this community had declared to boycott the census process. The administration and census officials were making efforts to make the Jhodias realise that they were only going to lose by not participating in the census.
The Jhodias were boycotting the census process protesting against the non-inclusion of their community in the Scheduled Tribe list. The census process started in the State from April 7. Till now they have not cooperated with the enumerators visiting the area.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Jawale said the leaders of Jhodia community during the meeting with him realised cooperation to census process would help them in future.
The Collector said the census officials are to include whatever caste status any respondent declares. So, the Jhodias were free to declare themselves tribals to the enumerators.
“At least the Jhodias could understand that the census process was quite separate from their genuine demand to be included in the Scheduled Tribe list for which the process was on,” Mr. Jawale said.






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