Telangana Conducts Historic Caste Census
Telangana has become the first state in India to conduct a detailed caste census, announced Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in the Legislative Assembly. The survey, known as the Telangana Social, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste Census (Comprehensive Household Survey), was carried out meticulously to gather accurate demographic data.
Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister noted that this was the first official data collection on weaker sections since 1931. He highlighted the importance of the survey for future policymaking and expressed the government’s commitment to social justice. CM Reddy also congratulated everyone involved in making the survey a model for the nation.
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Key Findings of the Census
The census revealed the following population distribution in Telangana:
– Scheduled Castes (SCs): 17.43% (61,84,319 people)
– Backward Classes (BCs) (excluding Muslim minorities): 46.25% (1,64,09,179 people)
– Scheduled Tribes (STs): 10.45% (37,05,929 people)
– Muslim Minorities: 12.55% (44,57,012 people)
– Other Castes (OCs): 15.79% (56,01,539 people), including:
– OCs (excluding Muslim minorities): 13.31% (47,21,115 people)
– Muslim Minority OCs: 2.48% (8,80,242 people)
The survey highlights that 83.95% of Telangana’s population belongs to disadvantaged sections, with BCs forming 56%, SCs 17.5%, and STs 10.45%.
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A Foundation for Better Representation
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized that the lack of official data since 1931 had limited the effectiveness of reservations and welfare schemes. The newly collected data, he said, would serve as a foundation for addressing socio-economic disparities and ensuring fair representation for marginalized communities.
The Congress government, after coming to power, passed a resolution in the Assembly to conduct the survey. The census was completed in just 36 days with the help of 76,000 data entry operators and a budget of ₹160 crores.
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A Model for Other States
The Chief Minister also stressed that the initiative could serve as an example for other states. He stated that Telangana’s approach demonstrates how accurate data collection can support social justice efforts and improve policymaking. The government is confident that the findings will lead to fairer distribution of resources and better implementation of welfare schemes for disadvantaged groups.
