Telangana’s Caste Survey Declared Most Authentic & Accurate, Says Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad, February 5: Telangana’s caste-based socio-economic survey, conducted by the Congress government, has been hailed as the most accurate and scientific population study since India’s Independence. Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that this is the first legitimate, field-based caste survey since the 2011 Census, making all opposition claims based on fictitious figures completely invalid.
During a media briefing at the Assembly Committee Hall, ahead of a PowerPoint presentation on the caste survey’s methodology and findings, Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that this extensive study was conducted with utmost transparency and precision, marking a milestone in accurate data collection. He assured that the survey would shape welfare policies aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of various communities.
He pointed out that previous surveys, such as the 2014 Intensive Household Survey (IHS), were never endorsed as official by the KCR government, and their data remained hidden. Uttam Kumar Reddy firmly rejected the opposition’s claims about past studies, asserting that the Congress government’s survey is the only genuine attempt to document caste demographics accurately. “These are the only real figures, and we are confident that no one can challenge their authenticity,” he declared.
Key findings of the caste survey include a notable increase in the percentage of Backward Classes (BCs) in Telangana, from 51.09% under the BRS regime to 56.33%. Similarly, the Scheduled Tribes (ST) population grew from 9.8% to 10.45%, while the Other Castes (OCs) population decreased from 21.55% to 15.79%. Uttam Kumar Reddy condemned opposition leaders for spreading falsehoods about these figures, questioning which data they were referring to when claiming a decline in the BC population.
The survey was meticulously executed with over one lakh trained personnel covering 94,261 Enumeration Blocks, ensuring complete coverage across Telangana. The process, completed in just 50 days, included extensive training for enumerators, real-time monitoring, and high-level review meetings chaired by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Despite challenges such as locked houses and initially unwilling respondents, the government conducted extensive follow-ups to maximize participation. The High Court’s recent ruling upheld the legality of the survey, dismissing opposition petitions.
The data gathered, which included inputs from social scientists and policymakers, was processed using advanced software by the Centre for Good Governance (CGG), with over 76,000 data entry operators involved in ensuring accuracy. The survey also introduced new categories for “No Caste” and “No Religion,” ensuring inclusivity.
Minister for BC Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar reaffirmed the exhaustive nature of the data collection process, noting that the opposition had no valid counterarguments against the Congress government’s official survey. Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and other senior leaders echoed these sentiments, dismissing opposition claims as mere propaganda.
Moving Forward:
With the data now in place, Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that it will serve as the foundation for equitable policy decisions and development initiatives for all communities in Telangana. The survey is a significant step in data-driven governance, ensuring that every community is properly represented and their needs addressed.
