Telangana Caste Survey: The Telangana Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution for the conduct of a "comprehensive door-to-door" caste-based survey in the state. The resolution was moved by the Backward Class Welfare Minister of Telangana, Ponnam Prabhakar. During the debate on the resolution, the Opposition suggested that a Bill be passed in this regard instead of a resolution.
The need for a legislation was, however, ruled by the ruling Congress. Intervening in the debate, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy alleged that members of the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) were trying to create doubts among the people on the government's resolve to conduct a comprehensive survey.
A caste census was part of the Congress' manifesto for the 2023 Telangana Assembly election, in which the party secured an absolute majority with victory on 64 of the 119 seats that went to the polls. So far, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar are the only states that have either completed or initiated a caste-based survey.
An official statement issued by Telangana government on the caste survey resolution said, "This House resolves to take up a comprehensive door-to-door household survey (Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste Survey (KULA GANANA) of entire Telangana State as per the decision of the Council of Ministers of 4 February 2024 so as to plan and implement various Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment and Political opportunities for the amelioration of Backward Classes, SC and ST citizens of the State and other weaker sections of the State."
"According to the decision taken by the Telangana Cabinet on February 4, to formulate and implement various social, economic, educational, employment and political opportunities plans for the advancement of backward classes, schedule castes, schedule tribes and other weaker sections, the Government has decided to conduct a comprehensive household caste enumeration family survey for political employment" Ponnam Prabhakar said in a post on X.
"This is an unprecedented moment. Today is unforgettable in my life He came into politics from the weaker sections who came into politics from the student stage. Many times our party leader Rahul Gandhi has mentioned caste enumeration. Accordingly, we will move ahead with useful information regarding the welfare of all. This caste census is under the purview of the central government but we are conducting the caste enumeration in view of the conditions in the states. Through this survey it is expected that justice will be done to SC, ST, BC and other weaker sections in the state Thank you to our CM Revanth Reddy and Deputy CM Bhatti for giving me the opportunity" Ponnam Prabhakar added.
(With inputs from agencies)