Modi Government Includes Caste Census in Next Census; FRP Increased for Sugarcane Farmers; Shillong-Silchar Silver Corridor Approved.
New Delhi: The Modi Cabinet concluded a significant meeting today, approving several key decisions. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a press briefing, announced the government's decision to include a caste census in the next national census. Simultaneously, relief was provided to sugarcane farmers with an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane to ₹355 per quintal. A major infrastructure project for the Northeast was also approved.
Caste Census to be Officially Conducted
The Union Minister informed that a caste-based census will now be officially incorporated into the main census. He criticized the Congress party, stating that since independence, Congress had never conducted a genuine caste census. He said, "Congress only conducted caste surveys for political gain, while the Modi government is making it a part of an official and inclusive census."
Significant Relief for Sugarcane Farmers – FRP Increased to ₹355 per Quintal
The Modi government made a significant announcement for sugarcane farmers for the 2025-26 sugar season. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane has been increased to ₹355 per quintal. This will be the minimum price; sugarcane cannot be purchased below this price.
High-Speed Silver Corridor to be Constructed from Shillong to Silchar
The Cabinet meeting also saw a major announcement regarding Northeast India. The government approved a roughly 166.8 km long, 4-lane highway project from Shillong to Silchar, termed the "Silver Corridor." The project's estimated cost is approximately ₹22,864 crore. This will significantly improve connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam.
Union Minister Attacks Congress
Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, "The caste census is an inclusive and transparent process that the Congress and the INDIA alliance limited to their political advantage. Under PM Modi's leadership, we are making it accessible to all sections of society."
