June 3, 2026

File photo NEW DELHI: As the Election Commission expands its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a fresh attack on the exercise, alleging that it could be used to create a “permanent class of excluded Indians” and disproportionately affect Muslims, women, migrants and the poor.In a post on X on Wednesday, Owaisi claimed that the Centre was using a document-based voter verification exercise as a precursor to broader mechanisms for identifying, detaining and deporting alleged illegal immigrants.“The right to vote is the poor’s only weapon against the powerful. Without it, the government will do what it pleases with them,” the Hyderabad MP said.Owaisi questions purpose of review committeeOwaisi alleged that a document-driven SIR exercise had earlier resulted in the deletion of nearly 6.5 crore names from electoral rolls across 13 states and Union Territories.He claimed that most of those excluded were Muslims, women, migrants and economically weaker sections.“SIR will be used to create a permanent class of excluded Indians,” Owaisi said, arguing that deletion from electoral rolls does not automatically mean a person is not an Indian citizen.“Under the law, a deletion through SIR does not mean that a person is not a citizen,” he said.The AIMIM leader noted that around 27 lakh cases remain under adjudication and many individuals could still seek enrolment through Form 6.He also questioned why a committee was needed to examine the exclusions when, according to him, the Election Commission had not provided data showing how many names were removed because the individuals were foreigners.“Why do we need this committee, then? So that there can be constant paranoia and fear directed against Muslims,” Owaisi said.He further alleged that the NDA government routinely forces citizens to undergo documentation exercises such as KYC and SIR while failing to efficiently conduct other administrative tasks.SIR exercise underway in several statesThe remarks come as the Election Commission continues Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision process in Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim.The exercise aims to verify the eligibility of voters based on three constitutional criteria under Article 326, Indian citizenship, minimum age of 18 years and absence of any legal disqualification.Enumeration began on the previous Saturday and will continue until June 28. Eligible voters whose forms are received by that date will be included in draft electoral rolls scheduled for publication on July 5.A claims-and-objections period will run until August 4, with final electoral rolls expected to be published on September 6.The Election Commission has urged all eligible voters to participate and cooperate with officials conducting house-to-house verification.Supreme Court upheld electoral roll revisionOwaisi’s criticism comes weeks after the Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission’s authority to conduct the SIR exercis.A Bench headed by chief justice Surya Kant ruled that the revision falls within the constitutional powers of the Election Commission under Article 324 and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.The court said that “free and fair elections” depend on the “integrity, accuracy and credibility” of electoral rolls and held that the revision exercise was aimed at safeguarding the electoral process.The apex court also clarified that exclusion from electoral rolls does not amount to a declaration that an individual is not an Indian citizen.It stated that if a competent authority later determines that a deleted person is a citizen, their name can be restored to the voter list.The SIR exercise, which began in Bihar before being expanded to other states and Union Territories, remains one of the most politically contested electoral initiatives undertaken by the Election Commission in recent years.PollHow confident are you in the electoral roll revision process led by the Election Commission?Very confidentSomewhat confidentNot confidentUnsureAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRBI Rejects Claims of $12 Billion Gold Sale, Says India’s Gold Stock Remains UnchangedKhan Sir Alleges Rival Coaching Attack In Patna, Police Say CCTV Shows No Evidence Of FiringTwo TMC Councillors Arrested In A Day As Corruption Crackdown IntensifiesNishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Nishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Jana Sena Eyes Telangana Expansion As Pawan Kalyan Vows Statewide Campaign | WatchHeavy Security Deployed As Police Probe Firing Outside Khan Sir’s Institute | Watch565 Indian Peacekeepers, Including 53 Women, Awarded UN Medal of Honour in South SudanJoint Search Operation Continues In Rajouri Forests Following Inputs On Suspected TerroristsCongress Picks G Parameshwara As Deputy CM Ahead Of DKS Oath :Sources123Photostories8 metro corridors driving residential growth and transforming India’s urban housing landscapeGreen anacondas can do THIS? 10 facts that may surprise youKatrina Kaif to Kareena Kapoor Khan: Bollywood actresses who became mothers after 40 and broke stereotypesLalit Modi’s crores-worth London mansion is a 7,000 sq ft cricketing den with signed jerseys, lavish interiors and a private liftUttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visitingLove vs ego: 7 powerful differences that can make or break your relationship7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotelsSummer travel making you feel sick? Try these 8 home remedies that can beat nausea naturally5 simple things worth reminding yourself before the day begins5 Richest temples in India that are also incredible travel destinations123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireTrump tariffsLalit ModiKhan Sir’s coachingPune airportSouthwest monsoonMumbai rainsRBI GoldSection 301Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiPawan KalyanTwisha Sharma Death CaseDK ShivakumarKarnataka Family MurderSouth Delhi Building CollapseMamata BanerjeeNEET re-exam papers

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins
File photo NEW DELHI: As the Election Commission expands its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a fresh attack on the exercise, alleging that it could be used to create a “permanent class of excluded Indians” and disproportionately affect Muslims, women, migrants and the poor.In a post on X on Wednesday, Owaisi claimed that the Centre was using a document-based voter verification exercise as a precursor to broader mechanisms for identifying, detaining and deporting alleged illegal immigrants.“The right to vote is the poor’s only weapon against the powerful. Without it, the government will do what it pleases with them,” the Hyderabad MP said.Owaisi questions purpose of review committeeOwaisi alleged that a document-driven SIR exercise had earlier resulted in the deletion of nearly 6.5 crore names from electoral rolls across 13 states and Union Territories.He claimed that most of those excluded were Muslims, women, migrants and economically weaker sections.“SIR will be used to create a permanent class of excluded Indians,” Owaisi said, arguing that deletion from electoral rolls does not automatically mean a person is not an Indian citizen.“Under the law, a deletion through SIR does not mean that a person is not a citizen,” he said.The AIMIM leader noted that around 27 lakh cases remain under adjudication and many individuals could still seek enrolment through Form 6.He also questioned why a committee was needed to examine the exclusions when, according to him, the Election Commission had not provided data showing how many names were removed because the individuals were foreigners.“Why do we need this committee, then? So that there can be constant paranoia and fear directed against Muslims,” Owaisi said.He further alleged that the NDA government routinely forces citizens to undergo documentation exercises such as KYC and SIR while failing to efficiently conduct other administrative tasks.SIR exercise underway in several statesThe remarks come as the Election Commission continues Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision process in Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim.The exercise aims to verify the eligibility of voters based on three constitutional criteria under Article 326, Indian citizenship, minimum age of 18 years and absence of any legal disqualification.Enumeration began on the previous Saturday and will continue until June 28. Eligible voters whose forms are received by that date will be included in draft electoral rolls scheduled for publication on July 5.A claims-and-objections period will run until August 4, with final electoral rolls expected to be published on September 6.The Election Commission has urged all eligible voters to participate and cooperate with officials conducting house-to-house verification.Supreme Court upheld electoral roll revisionOwaisi’s criticism comes weeks after the Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission’s authority to conduct the SIR exercis.A Bench headed by chief justice Surya Kant ruled that the revision falls within the constitutional powers of the Election Commission under Article 324 and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.The court said that “free and fair elections” depend on the “integrity, accuracy and credibility” of electoral rolls and held that the revision exercise was aimed at safeguarding the electoral process.The apex court also clarified that exclusion from electoral rolls does not amount to a declaration that an individual is not an Indian citizen.It stated that if a competent authority later determines that a deleted person is a citizen, their name can be restored to the voter list.The SIR exercise, which began in Bihar before being expanded to other states and Union Territories, remains one of the most politically contested electoral initiatives undertaken by the Election Commission in recent years.PollHow confident are you in the electoral roll revision process led by the Election Commission?Very confidentSomewhat confidentNot confidentUnsureAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRBI Rejects Claims of Billion Gold Sale, Says India’s Gold Stock Remains UnchangedKhan Sir Alleges Rival Coaching Attack In Patna, Police Say CCTV Shows No Evidence Of FiringTwo TMC Councillors Arrested In A Day As Corruption Crackdown IntensifiesNishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Nishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Jana Sena Eyes Telangana Expansion As Pawan Kalyan Vows Statewide Campaign | WatchHeavy Security Deployed As Police Probe Firing Outside Khan Sir’s Institute | Watch565 Indian Peacekeepers, Including 53 Women, Awarded UN Medal of Honour in South SudanJoint Search Operation Continues In Rajouri Forests Following Inputs On Suspected TerroristsCongress Picks G Parameshwara As Deputy CM Ahead Of DKS Oath :Sources123Photostories8 metro corridors driving residential growth and transforming India’s urban housing landscapeGreen anacondas can do THIS? 10 facts that may surprise youKatrina Kaif to Kareena Kapoor Khan: Bollywood actresses who became mothers after 40 and broke stereotypesLalit Modi’s crores-worth London mansion is a 7,000 sq ft cricketing den with signed jerseys, lavish interiors and a private liftUttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visitingLove vs ego: 7 powerful differences that can make or break your relationship7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotelsSummer travel making you feel sick? Try these 8 home remedies that can beat nausea naturally5 simple things worth reminding yourself before the day begins5 Richest temples in India that are also incredible travel destinations123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireTrump tariffsLalit ModiKhan Sir’s coachingPune airportSouthwest monsoonMumbai rainsRBI GoldSection 301Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiPawan KalyanTwisha Sharma Death CaseDK ShivakumarKarnataka Family MurderSouth Delhi Building CollapseMamata BanerjeeNEET re-exam papers


‘Paranoia and fear’: Owaisi slams Centre over SIR, alleges exercise may create ‘permanent class of excluded Indians’

NEW DELHI: As the Election Commission expands its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a fresh attack on the exercise, alleging that it could be used to create a “permanent class of excluded Indians” and disproportionately affect Muslims, women, migrants and the poor.In a post on X on Wednesday, Owaisi claimed that the Centre was using a document-based voter verification exercise as a precursor to broader mechanisms for identifying, detaining and deporting alleged illegal immigrants.“The right to vote is the poor’s only weapon against the powerful. Without it, the government will do what it pleases with them,” the Hyderabad MP said.

Owaisi questions purpose of review committee

Owaisi alleged that a document-driven SIR exercise had earlier resulted in the deletion of nearly 6.5 crore names from electoral rolls across 13 states and Union Territories.He claimed that most of those excluded were Muslims, women, migrants and economically weaker sections.“SIR will be used to create a permanent class of excluded Indians,” Owaisi said, arguing that deletion from electoral rolls does not automatically mean a person is not an Indian citizen.“Under the law, a deletion through SIR does not mean that a person is not a citizen,” he said.The AIMIM leader noted that around 27 lakh cases remain under adjudication and many individuals could still seek enrolment through Form 6.He also questioned why a committee was needed to examine the exclusions when, according to him, the Election Commission had not provided data showing how many names were removed because the individuals were foreigners.“Why do we need this committee, then? So that there can be constant paranoia and fear directed against Muslims,” Owaisi said.He further alleged that the NDA government routinely forces citizens to undergo documentation exercises such as KYC and SIR while failing to efficiently conduct other administrative tasks.

SIR exercise underway in several states

The remarks come as the Election Commission continues Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision process in Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim.The exercise aims to verify the eligibility of voters based on three constitutional criteria under Article 326, Indian citizenship, minimum age of 18 years and absence of any legal disqualification.Enumeration began on the previous Saturday and will continue until June 28. Eligible voters whose forms are received by that date will be included in draft electoral rolls scheduled for publication on July 5.A claims-and-objections period will run until August 4, with final electoral rolls expected to be published on September 6.The Election Commission has urged all eligible voters to participate and cooperate with officials conducting house-to-house verification.

Supreme Court upheld electoral roll revision

Owaisi’s criticism comes weeks after the Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission’s authority to conduct the SIR exercis.A Bench headed by chief justice Surya Kant ruled that the revision falls within the constitutional powers of the Election Commission under Article 324 and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.The court said that “free and fair elections” depend on the “integrity, accuracy and credibility” of electoral rolls and held that the revision exercise was aimed at safeguarding the electoral process.The apex court also clarified that exclusion from electoral rolls does not amount to a declaration that an individual is not an Indian citizen.It stated that if a competent authority later determines that a deleted person is a citizen, their name can be restored to the voter list.The SIR exercise, which began in Bihar before being expanded to other states and Union Territories, remains one of the most politically contested electoral initiatives undertaken by the Election Commission in recent years.

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NEW DELHI: In another sign of the growing divide within the Trinamool Congress, several party MLAs attended Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s administrative review meeting on Wednesday, even as the opposition party grappled with its biggest internal crisis since losing power in West Bengal.Among those present at the Nabanna meeting were rebel leaders Ritabrata Banerjee, Javed Khan and Sandipan Saha.Their attendance came hours after Banerjee and other dissident legislators met Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose and submitted letters purportedly signed by 58 MLAs backing his appointment as the new leader of the TMC legislature party.The rebel camp also proposed a new leadership structure, naming Banerjee as legislature party leader, Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha and Shiuli Saha as deputy leaders, and Raghunathganj MLA Akhruzzaman as chief whip.Earlier in the day, the dissident legislators had gathered at the Assembly for a separate meeting, underscoring the deepening fault lines within the party following its electoral defeat.Also present at the Nabanna meeting were several senior TMC leaders regarded as longtime loyalists of Mamata Banerjee, including Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, Nayana Bandyopadhyay, Ashok Deb and Kunal Ghosh.Also read: Last-ditch effort to avert split? TMC dissolves all key frontal wings amid internal revoltNotably, these leaders stayed away from the rebels’ Assembly gathering and instead chose to attend the chief minister’s review meeting, highlighting the increasingly fluid political equations within the party.Wednesday’s developments came days after senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and six party MLAs attended an administrative review meeting convened by Adhikari in Kalyani, fuelling speculation over changing alignments within the opposition camp.Political observers say the participation of TMC legislators in government programmes has increasingly blurred the line between administrative engagement and political messaging in the state’s rapidly evolving post-election landscape.The issue has also exposed differences within the party over whether its leaders should attend government-led programmes.Speaking after the Kalyani meeting last week, Kunal Ghosh said the matter was under discussion within the party.”We are not in favour of boycotting administrative meetings called by the state government. But when our party workers are being assaulted and rendered homeless in post-poll violence, we need to think twice before attending such meetings. Our party is also discussing whether we should continue participating in these meetings or not,” he had said.The widening divide was evident in another way as well. None of the MLAs who attended the dissidents’ Assembly meeting had been seen at Mamata Banerjee’s dharna in central Kolkata on Tuesday, reflecting the growing distance between the rebel bloc and the party’s traditional leadership.The BJP government has defended such meetings as inclusive administrative exercises. Soon after assuming office, Adhikari announced that opposition MPs and MLAs would be invited to government programmes and district-level review meetings.During the previous TMC government, BJP leaders had frequently alleged that opposition representatives were excluded from similar official meetings.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRBI Rejects Claims of Billion Gold Sale, Says India’s Gold Stock Remains UnchangedKhan Sir Alleges Rival Coaching Attack In Patna, Police Say CCTV Shows No Evidence Of FiringTwo TMC Councillors Arrested In A Day As Corruption Crackdown IntensifiesNishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Nishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Jana Sena Eyes Telangana Expansion As Pawan Kalyan Vows Statewide Campaign | WatchHeavy Security Deployed As Police Probe Firing Outside Khan Sir’s Institute | Watch565 Indian Peacekeepers, Including 53 Women, Awarded UN Medal of Honour in South SudanJoint Search Operation Continues In Rajouri Forests Following Inputs On Suspected TerroristsCongress Picks G Parameshwara As Deputy CM Ahead Of DKS Oath :Sources123PhotostoriesKatrina Kaif to Kareena Kapoor Khan: Bollywood actresses who became mothers after 40 and broke stereotypesLalit Modi’s crores-worth London mansion is a 7,000 sq ft cricketing den with signed jerseys, lavish interiors and a private liftUttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visitingLove vs ego: 7 powerful differences that can make or break your relationship7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotelsSummer travel making you feel sick? 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NEW DELHI: In another sign of the growing divide within the Trinamool Congress, several party MLAs attended Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s administrative review meeting on Wednesday, even as the opposition party grappled with its biggest internal crisis since losing power in West Bengal.Among those present at the Nabanna meeting were rebel leaders Ritabrata Banerjee, Javed Khan and Sandipan Saha.Their attendance came hours after Banerjee and other dissident legislators met Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose and submitted letters purportedly signed by 58 MLAs backing his appointment as the new leader of the TMC legislature party.The rebel camp also proposed a new leadership structure, naming Banerjee as legislature party leader, Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha and Shiuli Saha as deputy leaders, and Raghunathganj MLA Akhruzzaman as chief whip.Earlier in the day, the dissident legislators had gathered at the Assembly for a separate meeting, underscoring the deepening fault lines within the party following its electoral defeat.Also present at the Nabanna meeting were several senior TMC leaders regarded as longtime loyalists of Mamata Banerjee, including Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, Nayana Bandyopadhyay, Ashok Deb and Kunal Ghosh.Also read: Last-ditch effort to avert split? TMC dissolves all key frontal wings amid internal revoltNotably, these leaders stayed away from the rebels’ Assembly gathering and instead chose to attend the chief minister’s review meeting, highlighting the increasingly fluid political equations within the party.Wednesday’s developments came days after senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and six party MLAs attended an administrative review meeting convened by Adhikari in Kalyani, fuelling speculation over changing alignments within the opposition camp.Political observers say the participation of TMC legislators in government programmes has increasingly blurred the line between administrative engagement and political messaging in the state’s rapidly evolving post-election landscape.The issue has also exposed differences within the party over whether its leaders should attend government-led programmes.Speaking after the Kalyani meeting last week, Kunal Ghosh said the matter was under discussion within the party.”We are not in favour of boycotting administrative meetings called by the state government. But when our party workers are being assaulted and rendered homeless in post-poll violence, we need to think twice before attending such meetings. Our party is also discussing whether we should continue participating in these meetings or not,” he had said.The widening divide was evident in another way as well. None of the MLAs who attended the dissidents’ Assembly meeting had been seen at Mamata Banerjee’s dharna in central Kolkata on Tuesday, reflecting the growing distance between the rebel bloc and the party’s traditional leadership.The BJP government has defended such meetings as inclusive administrative exercises. Soon after assuming office, Adhikari announced that opposition MPs and MLAs would be invited to government programmes and district-level review meetings.During the previous TMC government, BJP leaders had frequently alleged that opposition representatives were excluded from similar official meetings.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRBI Rejects Claims of $12 Billion Gold Sale, Says India’s Gold Stock Remains UnchangedKhan Sir Alleges Rival Coaching Attack In Patna, Police Say CCTV Shows No Evidence Of FiringTwo TMC Councillors Arrested In A Day As Corruption Crackdown IntensifiesNishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Nishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Jana Sena Eyes Telangana Expansion As Pawan Kalyan Vows Statewide Campaign | WatchHeavy Security Deployed As Police Probe Firing Outside Khan Sir’s Institute | Watch565 Indian Peacekeepers, Including 53 Women, Awarded UN Medal of Honour in South SudanJoint Search Operation Continues In Rajouri Forests Following Inputs On Suspected TerroristsCongress Picks G Parameshwara As Deputy CM Ahead Of DKS Oath :Sources123PhotostoriesKatrina Kaif to Kareena Kapoor Khan: Bollywood actresses who became mothers after 40 and broke stereotypesLalit Modi’s crores-worth London mansion is a 7,000 sq ft cricketing den with signed jerseys, lavish interiors and a private liftUttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visitingLove vs ego: 7 powerful differences that can make or break your relationship7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotelsSummer travel making you feel sick? Try these 8 home remedies that can beat nausea naturally5 simple things worth reminding yourself before the day begins5 Richest temples in India that are also incredible travel destinationsCucumber (Kheera) vs Snake Cucumber (Kakdi): Which is more hydrating and how much to consume daily5 high-fiber flours that may help prevent blood sugar spikes and easy dishes123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireTrump tariffsLalit ModiKhan Sir’s coachingPune airportSouthwest monsoonMumbai rainsRBI GoldSection 301Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiPawan KalyanTwisha Sharma Death CaseDK ShivakumarKarnataka Family MurderSouth Delhi Building CollapseMamata BanerjeeNEET re-exam papers

Vamsikrishna 0
“Whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true.” The old Joan Robinson line still works because India has a way of defeating neat summaries. Most national averages come with broad patterns, outliers and warnings.The latest Sample Registration System data is one such mirror. The SRS, India’s official large-scale system for tracking births and deaths, gives annual estimates of fertility and mortality. At first glance, the headline number is simple: India’s fertility has fallen below replacement level. But a closer look shows a more uneven country. Some of India is already in low-fertility territory. Some of it is still above replacement. Cities are largely pulling fertility down, but urban Bihar is not following the script. Families are having fewer higher-order births, but the social consequences of smaller families are only beginning. Fewer infants are dying, but the first week of life remains the danger zone. And while birth is now overwhelmingly inside the hospital system, death is not.For years, the policy conversation moved between two extremes, fear of too many births and celebration of a young workforce. A young population can become a dividend only when it is properly trained and empowered. A low-fertility population, meanwhile, brings its own demands, such as pensions, elderly care, chronic-disease treatment and migration planning. Both have challenges of their own.We look at five data points from SRS data which highlights various such issues. The average hides the worryIndia’s Total Fertility Rate, or TFR, is now 1.9. TFR means the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime, based on current fertility rates. In 2014, India’s TFR was 2.3. Rural India has moved from 2.5 to 2.1. Urban India has gone from 1.8 to 1.5. In demographic language, India is below replacement fertility. In plain language, the baby boom is over.But the national average is only the beginning. Bihar is still at 2.9. Uttar Pradesh is at 2.6. Madhya Pradesh is at 2.4. Rajasthan is at 2.3. Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are at 2.2 each. Delhi, a city-state, sits at the other end of the spectrum at 1.2. The World Bank has warned that South Asia is not creating enough jobs to keep pace with its working-age population, especially for youth and women. When above-replacement fertility is concentrated in some of India’s poorer states, the policy challenge is obvious. The Bihar exceptionThe second figure comes from urban India, where one outlier stands out. The general assumption is that once people move to a city, families become smaller as parents want to invest more in fewer children. Across India, that broad story holds. Urban India’s average General Fertility Rate, or GFR, fell from 61.2 births per 1,000 women aged 15-49 in 2012-14 to 51.0 in 2022-24. GFR measures the number of live births in a year per 1,000 women in the reproductive age group of 15-49. Here, live births means babies born alive, which is the base used for fertility and mortality calculations.But Bihar breaks the pattern. Urban Bihar’s average GFR rose from 75.9 to 77.5 in the same period. The single-year figure makes the gap even clearer. In 2024, urban Bihar’s GFR was 80.3, against 49.8 for urban India. The birth ladder is thinningThe third shift is less startling, yet perhaps the most significant. In 2014, first-born children made up 43% of live births in India. By 2024, they made up 66.4%. Third-and-higher-order births fell from 25.9% to 10.8%. Fourth-or-higher births fell from 10.8% to 3.5%.It does not mean every family is stopping at one or two children. It means the births happening now are increasingly first and second births. The old ladder, third child, fourth child, fifth child, is thinning. That is a bigger social change than it may first appear. Fewer children mean parents invest more in each child. Education becomes a heavier bet. The implicit assumption that children will automatically become old-age security for parents also begins to weaken. The first week remains the concernThe fourth number is about survival. Here, India has made real progress.Infant mortality fell from 39 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 24 in 2024. Infant Mortality Rate, or IMR, means the number of deaths of children below one year of age per 1,000 live births. Rural IMR fell from 43 to 27. Urban IMR fell from 26 to 17. Under-five mortality fell from 45 to 28. Under-five mortality rate, or U5MR, means deaths before age five per 1,000 live births. These are not mere statistics. They mean children who would once have died are now alive.But the first week remains the most worrying part. In 2014, 52% of infant deaths occurred in the first week. In 2024, it was 52.7%. It means that, among infants who die before turning one, more than half die in the first week. India has reduced infant mortality, but the deaths that remain are still clustered close to birth. The World Health Organization says the first month of life is the most vulnerable period for child survival. UNICEF describes the first 28 days, known as the neonatal period, as the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival. India’s data fits that global warning. Hospitals see birth, miss death The fifth number is the most haunting. It is about how many deaths remain unattended. At birth, the system is now present. In 2014, 78.5% of live births received delivery care in government or private hospitals. By 2024, that had risen to 95.4%. Government hospitals drove much of the rise, from 52% of deliveries to 71.7%.At death, the system is far less visible. In 2014, 42.6% of deaths had medical attention before death in government or private hospitals. In 2024, the figure was 40.2%. The category of “untrained functionary, no medical attention and others” rose from 22.4% to 45.5%.A child is now far more likely to be born under hospital supervision than a person is to die after hospital attention. WHO’s civil-registration framework says information on births, deaths and causes of death is central to public-health planning. If death happens outside formal care, the system may miss not only the person but also the cause.As India moves into its next phase of growth as one of the world’s largest economies, several issues will need high-level of focus. SRS, like all good data, is only a reflection. What India chooses to see in it will decide what comes next.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRBI Rejects Claims of Billion Gold Sale, Says India’s Gold Stock Remains UnchangedKhan Sir Alleges Rival Coaching Attack In Patna, Police Say CCTV Shows No Evidence Of FiringTwo TMC Councillors Arrested In A Day As Corruption Crackdown IntensifiesNishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Nishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Jana Sena Eyes Telangana Expansion As Pawan Kalyan Vows Statewide Campaign | WatchHeavy Security Deployed As Police Probe Firing Outside Khan Sir’s Institute | Watch565 Indian Peacekeepers, Including 53 Women, Awarded UN Medal of Honour in South SudanJoint Search Operation Continues In Rajouri Forests Following Inputs On Suspected TerroristsCongress Picks G Parameshwara As Deputy CM Ahead Of DKS Oath :Sources123PhotostoriesKatrina Kaif to Kareena Kapoor Khan: Bollywood actresses who became mothers after 40 and broke stereotypesLalit Modi’s crores-worth London mansion is a 7,000 sq ft cricketing den with signed jerseys, lavish interiors and a private liftUttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visitingLove vs ego: 7 powerful differences that can make or break your relationship7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotelsSummer travel making you feel sick? Try these 8 home remedies that can beat nausea naturally5 simple things worth reminding yourself before the day begins5 Richest temples in India that are also incredible travel destinationsCucumber (Kheera) vs Snake Cucumber (Kakdi): Which is more hydrating and how much to consume daily5 high-fiber flours that may help prevent blood sugar spikes and easy dishes123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireTrump tariffsLalit ModiKhan Sir’s coachingPune airportSouthwest monsoonMumbai rainsRBI GoldSection 301Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiPawan KalyanTwisha Sharma Death CaseDK ShivakumarKarnataka Family MurderSouth Delhi Building CollapseMamata BanerjeeNEET re-exam papers

“Whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true.” The old Joan Robinson line still works because India has a way of defeating neat summaries. Most national averages come with broad patterns, outliers and warnings.The latest Sample Registration System data is one such mirror. The SRS, India’s official large-scale system for tracking births and deaths, gives annual estimates of fertility and mortality. At first glance, the headline number is simple: India’s fertility has fallen below replacement level. But a closer look shows a more uneven country. Some of India is already in low-fertility territory. Some of it is still above replacement. Cities are largely pulling fertility down, but urban Bihar is not following the script. Families are having fewer higher-order births, but the social consequences of smaller families are only beginning. Fewer infants are dying, but the first week of life remains the danger zone. And while birth is now overwhelmingly inside the hospital system, death is not.For years, the policy conversation moved between two extremes, fear of too many births and celebration of a young workforce. A young population can become a dividend only when it is properly trained and empowered. A low-fertility population, meanwhile, brings its own demands, such as pensions, elderly care, chronic-disease treatment and migration planning. Both have challenges of their own.We look at five data points from SRS data which highlights various such issues. The average hides the worryIndia’s Total Fertility Rate, or TFR, is now 1.9. TFR means the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime, based on current fertility rates. In 2014, India’s TFR was 2.3. Rural India has moved from 2.5 to 2.1. Urban India has gone from 1.8 to 1.5. In demographic language, India is below replacement fertility. In plain language, the baby boom is over.But the national average is only the beginning. Bihar is still at 2.9. Uttar Pradesh is at 2.6. Madhya Pradesh is at 2.4. Rajasthan is at 2.3. Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are at 2.2 each. Delhi, a city-state, sits at the other end of the spectrum at 1.2. The World Bank has warned that South Asia is not creating enough jobs to keep pace with its working-age population, especially for youth and women. When above-replacement fertility is concentrated in some of India’s poorer states, the policy challenge is obvious. The Bihar exceptionThe second figure comes from urban India, where one outlier stands out. The general assumption is that once people move to a city, families become smaller as parents want to invest more in fewer children. Across India, that broad story holds. Urban India’s average General Fertility Rate, or GFR, fell from 61.2 births per 1,000 women aged 15-49 in 2012-14 to 51.0 in 2022-24. GFR measures the number of live births in a year per 1,000 women in the reproductive age group of 15-49. Here, live births means babies born alive, which is the base used for fertility and mortality calculations.But Bihar breaks the pattern. Urban Bihar’s average GFR rose from 75.9 to 77.5 in the same period. The single-year figure makes the gap even clearer. In 2024, urban Bihar’s GFR was 80.3, against 49.8 for urban India. The birth ladder is thinningThe third shift is less startling, yet perhaps the most significant. In 2014, first-born children made up 43% of live births in India. By 2024, they made up 66.4%. Third-and-higher-order births fell from 25.9% to 10.8%. Fourth-or-higher births fell from 10.8% to 3.5%.It does not mean every family is stopping at one or two children. It means the births happening now are increasingly first and second births. The old ladder, third child, fourth child, fifth child, is thinning. That is a bigger social change than it may first appear. Fewer children mean parents invest more in each child. Education becomes a heavier bet. The implicit assumption that children will automatically become old-age security for parents also begins to weaken. The first week remains the concernThe fourth number is about survival. Here, India has made real progress.Infant mortality fell from 39 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 24 in 2024. Infant Mortality Rate, or IMR, means the number of deaths of children below one year of age per 1,000 live births. Rural IMR fell from 43 to 27. Urban IMR fell from 26 to 17. Under-five mortality fell from 45 to 28. Under-five mortality rate, or U5MR, means deaths before age five per 1,000 live births. These are not mere statistics. They mean children who would once have died are now alive.But the first week remains the most worrying part. In 2014, 52% of infant deaths occurred in the first week. In 2024, it was 52.7%. It means that, among infants who die before turning one, more than half die in the first week. India has reduced infant mortality, but the deaths that remain are still clustered close to birth. The World Health Organization says the first month of life is the most vulnerable period for child survival. UNICEF describes the first 28 days, known as the neonatal period, as the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival. India’s data fits that global warning. Hospitals see birth, miss death The fifth number is the most haunting. It is about how many deaths remain unattended. At birth, the system is now present. In 2014, 78.5% of live births received delivery care in government or private hospitals. By 2024, that had risen to 95.4%. Government hospitals drove much of the rise, from 52% of deliveries to 71.7%.At death, the system is far less visible. In 2014, 42.6% of deaths had medical attention before death in government or private hospitals. In 2024, the figure was 40.2%. The category of “untrained functionary, no medical attention and others” rose from 22.4% to 45.5%.A child is now far more likely to be born under hospital supervision than a person is to die after hospital attention. WHO’s civil-registration framework says information on births, deaths and causes of death is central to public-health planning. If death happens outside formal care, the system may miss not only the person but also the cause.As India moves into its next phase of growth as one of the world’s largest economies, several issues will need high-level of focus. SRS, like all good data, is only a reflection. What India chooses to see in it will decide what comes next.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRBI Rejects Claims of $12 Billion Gold Sale, Says India’s Gold Stock Remains UnchangedKhan Sir Alleges Rival Coaching Attack In Patna, Police Say CCTV Shows No Evidence Of FiringTwo TMC Councillors Arrested In A Day As Corruption Crackdown IntensifiesNishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Nishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Jana Sena Eyes Telangana Expansion As Pawan Kalyan Vows Statewide Campaign | WatchHeavy Security Deployed As Police Probe Firing Outside Khan Sir’s Institute | Watch565 Indian Peacekeepers, Including 53 Women, Awarded UN Medal of Honour in South SudanJoint Search Operation Continues In Rajouri Forests Following Inputs On Suspected TerroristsCongress Picks G Parameshwara As Deputy CM Ahead Of DKS Oath :Sources123PhotostoriesKatrina Kaif to Kareena Kapoor Khan: Bollywood actresses who became mothers after 40 and broke stereotypesLalit Modi’s crores-worth London mansion is a 7,000 sq ft cricketing den with signed jerseys, lavish interiors and a private liftUttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visitingLove vs ego: 7 powerful differences that can make or break your relationship7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotelsSummer travel making you feel sick? Try these 8 home remedies that can beat nausea naturally5 simple things worth reminding yourself before the day begins5 Richest temples in India that are also incredible travel destinationsCucumber (Kheera) vs Snake Cucumber (Kakdi): Which is more hydrating and how much to consume daily5 high-fiber flours that may help prevent blood sugar spikes and easy dishes123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireTrump tariffsLalit ModiKhan Sir’s coachingPune airportSouthwest monsoonMumbai rainsRBI GoldSection 301Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiPawan KalyanTwisha Sharma Death CaseDK ShivakumarKarnataka Family MurderSouth Delhi Building CollapseMamata BanerjeeNEET re-exam papers

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Arvind Kejriwal (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday questioned the Centre over the alleged offloading of some of India’s gold reserve to protect the country’s foreign-currency assets after the rupee continued to depreciate against US dollars. As of filing of this article the Rupee was valued at 95.691 to the US dollar a gain of 0.45%.Reacting to a news article that claimed India’s central bank may have offloaded part of its gold holdings to shield foreign-currency assets from the fallout of the Iran war, Kejriwal sought clarity from the government on the country’s economic situation.In a post on X, the former Delhi chief minister asked whether the report was accurate and expressed concern over the implications of such a move.”Is this news true? Is the country’s gold being sold? Has the government become so bankrupt? In the last 76 years, there have been many such occasions when the country was in a difficult situation. But the country’s gold was never sold. Does that mean the situation is extremely bad? Why doesn’t the government tell us anything? What is the state of the country?” Kejriwal wrote.He further said, “Modi ji says that he will just pick up his bag and leave. But we have to stay right here, we have to live in this very country.”The remarks came amid discussions over the RBI’s monetary policy strategy ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting that began on June 3. The six-member panel is expected to deliberate on interest rates, inflation and broader economic conditions before the RBI Governor announces the policy decision on June 5.Meanwhile, a report by SBI Research argued that the RBI does not need to raise the repo rate to tackle pressure on the rupee despite elevated crude oil prices and global uncertainties. The report suggested that the central bank could instead rely on short-term interest rate tools and liquidity management measures.”So should there be repo rate hike? NO!” the report stated, while advocating a data-driven approach to monetary policy.SBI Research also recommended measures such as widening the interest rate corridor and using instruments like “Operation Twist” to address market volatility and support the rupee without increasing borrowing costs across the economy.The report projected India’s GDP growth at 7.5 per cent for FY26, while cautioning that geopolitical developments could influence future economic outcomes and policy decisions.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKhan Sir Alleges Rival Coaching Attack In Patna, Police Say CCTV Shows No Evidence Of FiringTwo TMC Councillors Arrested In A Day As Corruption Crackdown IntensifiesNishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Nishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Jana Sena Eyes Telangana Expansion As Pawan Kalyan Vows Statewide Campaign | WatchHeavy Security Deployed As Police Probe Firing Outside Khan Sir’s Institute | Watch565 Indian Peacekeepers, Including 53 Women, Awarded UN Medal of Honour in South SudanJoint Search Operation Continues In Rajouri Forests Following Inputs On Suspected TerroristsCongress Picks G Parameshwara As Deputy CM Ahead Of DKS Oath :SourcesKhan Sir Claims Attack On Patna Coaching Centre, Alleges Firing And Vandalism123PhotostoriesLalit Modi’s crores-worth London mansion is a 7,000 sq ft cricketing den with signed jerseys, lavish interiors and a private liftUttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visitingLove vs ego: 7 powerful differences that can make or break your relationship7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotelsSummer travel making you feel sick? Try these 8 home remedies that can beat nausea naturally5 simple things worth reminding yourself before the day begins5 Richest temples in India that are also incredible travel destinationsCucumber (Kheera) vs Snake Cucumber (Kakdi): Which is more hydrating and how much to consume daily5 high-fiber flours that may help prevent blood sugar spikes and easy dishesSuccess quote of the day by Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in…”123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireTrump tariffsLalit ModiKhan Sir’s coachingPune airportSouthwest monsoonMumbai rainsRBI GoldSection 301Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiPawan KalyanTwisha Sharma Death CaseDK ShivakumarKarnataka Family MurderSouth Delhi Building CollapseMamata BanerjeeNEET re-exam papers

Arvind Kejriwal (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday questioned the Centre over the alleged offloading of some of India’s gold reserve to protect the country’s foreign-currency assets after the rupee continued to depreciate against US dollars. As of filing of this article the Rupee was valued at 95.691 to the US dollar a gain of 0.45%.Reacting to a news article that claimed India’s central bank may have offloaded part of its gold holdings to shield foreign-currency assets from the fallout of the Iran war, Kejriwal sought clarity from the government on the country’s economic situation.In a post on X, the former Delhi chief minister asked whether the report was accurate and expressed concern over the implications of such a move.”Is this news true? Is the country’s gold being sold? Has the government become so bankrupt? In the last 76 years, there have been many such occasions when the country was in a difficult situation. But the country’s gold was never sold. Does that mean the situation is extremely bad? Why doesn’t the government tell us anything? What is the state of the country?” Kejriwal wrote.He further said, “Modi ji says that he will just pick up his bag and leave. But we have to stay right here, we have to live in this very country.”The remarks came amid discussions over the RBI’s monetary policy strategy ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting that began on June 3. The six-member panel is expected to deliberate on interest rates, inflation and broader economic conditions before the RBI Governor announces the policy decision on June 5.Meanwhile, a report by SBI Research argued that the RBI does not need to raise the repo rate to tackle pressure on the rupee despite elevated crude oil prices and global uncertainties. The report suggested that the central bank could instead rely on short-term interest rate tools and liquidity management measures.”So should there be repo rate hike? NO!” the report stated, while advocating a data-driven approach to monetary policy.SBI Research also recommended measures such as widening the interest rate corridor and using instruments like “Operation Twist” to address market volatility and support the rupee without increasing borrowing costs across the economy.The report projected India’s GDP growth at 7.5 per cent for FY26, while cautioning that geopolitical developments could influence future economic outcomes and policy decisions.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKhan Sir Alleges Rival Coaching Attack In Patna, Police Say CCTV Shows No Evidence Of FiringTwo TMC Councillors Arrested In A Day As Corruption Crackdown IntensifiesNishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Nishikant Dubey Targets Nehru-Gandhi Family Over Partition, Calls June 3 Plan A ‘National Betrayal’Jana Sena Eyes Telangana Expansion As Pawan Kalyan Vows Statewide Campaign | WatchHeavy Security Deployed As Police Probe Firing Outside Khan Sir’s Institute | Watch565 Indian Peacekeepers, Including 53 Women, Awarded UN Medal of Honour in South SudanJoint Search Operation Continues In Rajouri Forests Following Inputs On Suspected TerroristsCongress Picks G Parameshwara As Deputy CM Ahead Of DKS Oath :SourcesKhan Sir Claims Attack On Patna Coaching Centre, Alleges Firing And Vandalism123PhotostoriesLalit Modi’s crores-worth London mansion is a 7,000 sq ft cricketing den with signed jerseys, lavish interiors and a private liftUttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visitingLove vs ego: 7 powerful differences that can make or break your relationship7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotelsSummer travel making you feel sick? Try these 8 home remedies that can beat nausea naturally5 simple things worth reminding yourself before the day begins5 Richest temples in India that are also incredible travel destinationsCucumber (Kheera) vs Snake Cucumber (Kakdi): Which is more hydrating and how much to consume daily5 high-fiber flours that may help prevent blood sugar spikes and easy dishesSuccess quote of the day by Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in…”123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireTrump tariffsLalit ModiKhan Sir’s coachingPune airportSouthwest monsoonMumbai rainsRBI GoldSection 301Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiPawan KalyanTwisha Sharma Death CaseDK ShivakumarKarnataka Family MurderSouth Delhi Building CollapseMamata BanerjeeNEET re-exam papers

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