The Congress-led government in Telangana has launched the state’s first caste-based survey. The initiative is a significant milestone for the state, with 80,000 enumerators set to cover more than 1.17 crore households across 33 districts. This is the first caste-based census since 1931, fulfilling a long-awaited promise and reflecting the aspirations of the Telangana movement.
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Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hailed the launch of the caste-based survey, calling it a historic, revolutionary moment for the state. In the caste survey, door-to-door data collection will be done in the coming three weeks. In a post on X, Ramesh explained that the survey is not only important for Telangana but also lays the groundwork for the national caste census. Jairam Ramesh further said that the caste survey in Telangana is part of a broader approach. He emphasized that the Telangana survey is a precursor to the national caste census that the Indian coalition intends to implement if the next government is formed.
Jairam Ramesh said this census, and the removal of the Supreme Court’s arbitrary cap of 50% on reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, is at the heart of the Congress’s vision for the country. Rahul Gandhi, who has been a staunch supporter of the nationwide caste census, also supported the Telangana survey. Gandhi participated in an important consultation meeting in Telangana on 5 November, which focused on the importance of caste census.
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Speaking at the meeting, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his commitment towards the caste survey in Telangana and said it is an important step towards ensuring equitable development for all communities. He also underlined the need for a comprehensive caste census at the national level, which the Congress has promised to give priority to if it leads the next government. The Telangana caste-based survey, which will run till November 30, is the fulfillment of a poll promise made by the Congress government. Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who is overseeing the implementation of the survey, highlighted its importance in addressing the development needs of the state.
