Telangana’s Caste Survey Inspires National Census Move, Says CM Revanth Reddy

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday said Telangana became the first state in independent India to conduct a caste survey, inspired by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s vision.

Responding to the Centre’s announcement on including caste census in the national exercise, Reddy recalled that the last caste-based count was done in 1931 under British rule. He said Telangana’s 2023 survey was the first since independence.

In a post on X, he said, “We are proud that Rahul Gandhi’s vision has become national policy. Telangana’s steps for OBC empowerment have inspired the country.”

He added, “The Congress government in Telangana has proven that what our state does today, India follows tomorrow.”

Centre Takes Cue From States

On Wednesday, the Centre announced that caste enumeration would be part of the next census in a ‘transparent’ manner. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the census is under the Centre’s jurisdiction, but several states had already carried out caste surveys.

He alleged that opposition-ruled states used the surveys for political gains. However, he maintained that the Modi government would conduct the exercise with full transparency.

The national census, initially scheduled for April 2020, was delayed due to the pandemic.

Revanth Reddy thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet for approving the caste census. He noted that Telangana’s Social, Economic, and Caste Survey revealed 56.32% of the state’s population belongs to Backward Castes.

Based on this, the state has proposed 42% OBC reservations in education, jobs, and politics.

Owaisi Supports Caste Data for Muslims

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi also welcomed the Centre’s move. He said caste-based enumeration had long been a demand of backward Muslim communities.

He called for accurate data on Muslim backwardness, citing NSSO reports. “The BJP has denied SC status to Dalit Muslims and opposed OBC quotas for backward Muslims,” he said.

Owaisi demanded that the caste data be made public and transparent. He also thanked CM Revanth Reddy for his leadership in conducting the Telangana survey.