Telangana’s Caste Survey Inspires Nation, Says CM Revanth Reddy After Centre’s Census Decision
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday welcomed the Centre’s decision to include a Caste Census in the upcoming national census, declaring it a “proud moment” for Telangana and crediting the move to the state’s pioneering efforts in OBC empowerment.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Chief Minister highlighted Telangana’s landmark caste survey, conducted last year, as a key catalyst for the Centre’s decision. He attributed the idea’s national momentum to the vision of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who first demanded a caste-based census during his Bharat Jodo Yatra.
“Telangana is the first state to have conducted a caste survey since Independence. The last such data was collected by the British in 1931. Our initiative has now inspired the entire country,” Revanth Reddy stated.
Caste Survey Findings and Policy Impact
The Chief Minister noted that the Social, Economic, and Caste Survey conducted in Telangana revealed that 56.32% of the population belongs to Backward Castes (BCs). Based on these findings, the Telangana Assembly tabled a resolution proposing 42% reservations for OBCs in education, employment, and political representation.
The resolution, passed unanimously on February 4, also called on the Central Government to undertake a nationwide caste census. This, Revanth said, formed the backbone of the national push for the policy.
Political Credit and National Recognition
Revanth Reddy claimed that the Telangana Congress took the fight for caste census to the national stage, organizing protests at Jantar Mantar and pressing the Union Government to adopt the idea.
“Today, we have shown that what Telangana does today, India follows tomorrow,” he said. “Even in opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi’s vision has turned into national policy. This is a proud day for Telangana and the Congress party.”
The Chief Minister also congratulated the Central Government for its decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet for acknowledging the importance of caste-based data in shaping inclusive policy.
A National Shift Toward Social Equity
With the Centre now agreeing to conduct a caste census as part of the next national decadal census, Telangana’s model is being hailed as a template for inclusive governance. The move is expected to impact policy decisions across sectors, particularly those concerning reservation, representation, and socio-economic development.
