Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Wednesday welcomed the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. Expressing his satisfaction, the Chief Minister thanked the Union government for taking a progressive step and called for each state to be treated as a unit during the process.
Revanth stated that Telangana has already set a precedent by completing 97% of its own caste survey, offering a second opportunity for the remaining 3% of the population. “Telangana has emerged as a role model in caste enumeration. The state government carried out the survey using a detailed questionnaire comprising 57 questions over eight pages,” he said.
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The Chief Minister credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making caste census a national agenda during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. “Rahul Gandhi said caste census is like an X-ray of society. Telangana implemented that vision successfully, and we now stand as an example for the rest of the country,” he noted. “We passed two resolutions in the Assembly—one urging the Centre to conduct a caste census, and another calling for the removal of the 50% cap on reservations.”
Revanth also called for a transparent and inclusive approach from the Centre. “The Centre must consult all political parties, civil society organisations, and experts. This process should not be dictated by a single party or a few individuals. It must serve the interests of the marginalised,” he said.
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The Chief Minister urged the Union government to clearly state when the caste census will begin and by when it will be completed. He assured full support from Telangana, including sharing data, methods, and experiences from the state’s successful survey.
He also took aim at the BJP, questioning why the party had not initiated a caste census in states it governs despite being in power for over a decade. “The BJP is following Telangana’s lead now, and it is time to prove their commitment to social justice. Caste census should not be politicised,” he remarked.
Revanth said the Telangana caste census involved all political parties and was not executed as a Congress-only initiative. “This inclusiveness is why our model has received national attention,” he added.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to equitable access in education and employment, and said Telangana is willing to collaborate with the Centre and other states to ensure a comprehensive and credible caste enumeration across the country.