Caste Census Report to Focus on Socio-Economic, Political, and Educational Status of Communities
The state Panchayat Raj department in Telangana is currently reviewing a detailed report from the caste census. This report aims to provide insights into the socio-economic, political, and educational conditions of various castes, especially in rural areas. The data collected will be categorized by caste and combined with urban data to create a comprehensive summary. Officials expect to release the final report by the end of December.
The survey has already been completed in rural areas, and work is nearing completion in urban regions, as per official sources. The State Planning department has forwarded the initial findings to the Panchayat Raj department, which is now carefully analyzing the data with the help of the state Statistical department.
However, enumerators conducting the census in urban areas, particularly within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits and nearby urban local bodies, have encountered some challenges. Due to these difficulties, the Panchayat Raj department plans to first finalize the rural data and later integrate it with urban data.
According to sources, the findings from this report will play a crucial role in shaping government policies. The data will help create initiatives aimed at empowering backward castes by addressing their social, educational, economic, and political needs.
The report is also expected to influence the upcoming local body elections. The government plans to use the caste census data to ensure fair representation for certain communities through reservations in local governing bodies. This includes Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTC), and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTC).
Officials from the Planning department stated that the Panchayat Raj wing and the State Election Commission are already preparing for the elections. The census data will aid in determining special quotas for certain communities in local body elections, including reserved positions for ward members and Sarpanch posts.
Beyond elections, the government aims to use the report to economically empower backward communities. Plans include supporting the revival of traditional occupations and encouraging individuals to pursue their professions as a means of sustainable livelihood.
