Caste Survey Presented in Telangana Assembly

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy today presented the comprehensive caste survey in the State Assembly.

Reddy said, "Congress leader Rahul Gandhi committed during his padayatra to address the BC census and ensure opportunities for this group. In line with his pledge, the State government made a decision in February 2024 to carry out a detailed house-to-house caste survey focusing on social, economic, employment, education and caste-related aspects."

"Enumerators diligently gathered information from every village and thanda. A total of 150 houses were designated as a unit for this purpose, with enumerators assigned to collect the relevant details. Over the course of 36 days, 76,000 data entry operators exerted considerable effort to complete the data compilation. The State government allocated Rs 160 crore to prepare the report, ensuring adherence to strict protocols. The official process for the caste census was accomplished in record time. Following approval from the Cabinet, the government presented the caste survey report in the Assembly," he added.

Reddy also said that the State government was committed to delivering justice for the backward classes, who represented 56% of the population in the State, through appropriate reservations for them, and promised that 42% of the Congress candidates in the upcoming local body elections would be from the backward classes.

He extended his congratulations to all individuals who contributed to the preparation of the caste census report, which he claimed had become a model for the nation.

Reddy also announced that three of the recommendations of the Justice Shameem Akther commission on SC sub-categorisation would be accepted. As per those, 1% in the 15% reservations for SCs in educational seats, jobs etc would henceforth be for the "most disadvantaged", 9% would be for the "moderately benefited", and 5% would be for the "most benefited" sections. Of the 59 sub-categories in SCs, 15 are in "most disadvantaged", 18 are in "moderately benefited" and the remaining 26 are in "most benefited".

However, the government rejected the Justice Akther commission's recommendation to do away with reservations for the creamy layer among the SCs. That means that even very well-off SC individuals will continue to get the benefits.