Hyderabad, Apr 16 (TNT): The Telangana government on Wednesday evening released its comprehensive caste survey, revealing that Backward Classes (BCs) constitute 56.33% of the state’s population, and said it has approached the Supreme Court seeking 42% reservation for BCs based on the findings.
The survey findings were announced by Minister for Transport Ponnam Prabhakar at a press conference at the Secretariat, along with Minister Vakiti Srihari and PCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud, in the presence of Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao.
As per the survey, the total population of Telangana stands at 3,55,50,759. BCs account for 56.33%, including 10.08% Backward Muslims.
Scheduled Castes constitute 17.43%, Scheduled Tribes 10.45%, and Other Castes (OCs) 15.79%.
Within the OC category, Reddys form the largest group at 30.47%, followed by OC Muslims (11.08%), Vysyas (9.07%), Kammas (6.56%), Brahmins (5.98%) and Velamas (2.56%).
About 21.49% of individuals in the OC category did not disclose their caste identity.
The report pointed to disparities in education, employment, land ownership, housing, and asset ownership across communities, with upper castes generally performing better on key socio-economic indicators.
It noted variations among 56 major castes, observing that some BC groups are on par with forward classes, while certain communities such as SC Christians and Kamsalis show relatively better socio-economic indicators.
The government said the findings would guide policy decisions on reservations and welfare measures, with a focus on addressing inequalities and ensuring equitable development across communities.
The findings also indicate a growing trend of inter-caste marriages across communities.
The government has made the report accessible to the public through its official portal, inviting discussion and feedback.
Prabhakar said the move was aimed at ensuring wider debate, including in Parliament, especially as the current session gets underway.
He also remarked that while the Centre had earlier termed a nationwide caste census impractical, it has now agreed to conduct one, following Telangana’s initiative.
TNT TS
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