Revanth Reddy welcomes Union government's caste census move, offers help

Revanth Reddy welcomes Union government’s caste census move, offers help

Published May 01, 2025 | 5:05 PM ⚊ Updated May 01, 2025 | 5:05 PM

A study report on caste census submitted to Telangana government

Synopsis: Highlighting the significance of the survey, Reddy underlined its potential impact on minority welfare and equitable resource distribution.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy welcomed the Union government’s move to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, and offered to provide tips to carry out the exercise.

Reddy highlighted the state’s proactive role and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to social justice and inclusive governance through data-driven policymaking.

He emphasised the importance of the recently conducted caste survey in the state, terming it a landmark step in pursuing social justice and inclusive governance. Regarding the promise made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Reddy said, “Rahul Gandhi promised the people of Telangana a caste census if we were elected to power. Subsequently, the people of Telangana gave us power, and we delivered.”

He also noted that Congress has mounted large efforts to put pressure on the government. “When we are in power, we make such policies, when we are in opposition, we put pressure for such policies. That is the spirit of democracy. Today, they had to make this decision because of the pressure we put on them,” he held.

Highlighting the significance of the survey, Reddy underlined its potential impact on minority welfare and equitable resource distribution. He also took a swipe at the BJP, suggesting that critics of the initiative are uneasy about Telangana setting a national precedent.

“Some people are unable to digest that the Telangana model will become the roadmap for this national undertaking. They feel bad that Narendra Modi will have to follow our footsteps,” he remarked.

Despite the political undertones, Reddy struck a conciliatory note, asserting that this was not the time for partisan bickering. “I welcome this move. This is not the time for politics,” he concluded.

Related: Union government takes cue from Karnataka, Telangana

‘Telangana is ready to help’

Reddy also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the move. “I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, establish a Committee of Union Ministers,” he explained. He added that Ministers like Uttam Kumar Reddy and Bhatti Mallu did an exceptional job in Telangana.

“Then you must develop an expert committee with government officers and intellectuals,” he added. He noted that the contributions of intellectuals like Kancha Ilaiah helped the state keep in touch with the people.

He also highlighted the challenge of classifying castes in various states. The Boya committee is an ST in Karnataka but not in Telangana. Similarly, the Lambadis are an ST in Telangana but not in Maharashtra; there are such intricacies that you have to address. Then you have to develop an exhaustive questionnaire to properly ascertain their conditions,” he explained.

He also extended a helping hand, stating that the Union Government could approach Telangana to bank on their experiences. Furthermore, he also informed that once published, the Union report would hold precedence over the state’s report.

(Edited by Majnu Babu).