The topic of a caste census has sparked significant debate. The Congress party argues that a caste census will reshape India’s political landscape and pledges to increase reservations for Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) see it as a distraction from the Congress party’s unfulfilled promises and the genuine issues facing the State. Hans India gathers opinions from the public on this heated topic.
Syed Khaled Shah Chishti Hussaini, Secretary of the United Federation of Residents Welfare Association in Hyderabad, believes that a skill census is more important for Telangana than a caste census. He suggests that focusing on skills and merits will lead to a more inclusive and economically empowered society. He cited Andhra Pradesh’s ongoing Skill Census 2024 as an example, which aims to understand individuals’ abilities and identify industry demands. According to him, prioritizing skills over caste will help create a brighter future for Telangana.
Galibe Vishal, an advocate from Gowliguda, believes that both caste and skill censuses are critical for Telangana’s development. He argues that while a caste census helps ensure social equity and targeted resource distribution, a skill census addresses workforce capabilities. Together, these initiatives can lead to sustainable and inclusive growth in the region.
Karunakar Reddy Mardi, founder of Igniting Minds, supports the idea of a skill census over a caste census. He believes that a skill census aligns with India’s vision to become a global leader by identifying and enhancing the talents of its population. In today’s world, which is moving toward knowledge-based industries, skill development will empower people to compete internationally.
K. Venkatesh, a businessman from Hyderabad, welcomes the caste census initiative by the State government. He feels it will create more opportunities for the underprivileged. He hopes that the accurate data collected during the census will provide a clear understanding of the population distribution across different castes in Telangana.
Vinay Vangala, an HR professional from Hyderabad, questions the need for a caste census, stating that everyone’s caste is already known. He believes that a skill census would be a better use of public money and resources as it would help in optimal human resource management. He suggests that the government could use such data to promote industries based on available skills and train unemployed youth to meet industry demands.
Punem Pradeep Kumar from Bhadrachalam opposes the caste census, suggesting that there are more important issues to address in India. According to him, the government should focus on providing free quality education, improving healthcare, and implementing health schemes for all citizens instead of conducting a caste census.
Doggali Swaroopa, a private lecturer from Karimnagar, believes that while caste is something people are born into, skills are acquired through training. She thinks skill development is more important than a caste census in today’s changing market. Although supporting backward castes is necessary, she feels that this can be achieved by providing free education and skill development programs to empower them.
Lastly, Cherupalli Amardas Neta, an advocate from Nalgonda Town, argues that a caste census is crucial for understanding the socio-economic conditions of different communities. Without accurate data, he questions how policies aimed at uplifting marginalized groups can be designed. He believes that addressing caste-based inequalities is essential for creating a fairer society where opportunities are distributed more equally.
