Telangana govt introduces resolution in Assembly for integrated caste census

Hyderabad: Telangana Backward Class Minister Ponnam Prabhakar introduced a resolution in the Assembly on Friday to conduct an integrated caste census in the state.

During the discussion on the resolution in the house, Ponnam Prabhakar said the government would undertake an integrated caste census, and social, and economic house-to-house survey to strengthen the weaker sections in the society.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy emphasized that the government’s initiative is aimed at a positive cause, and the resolution was presented transparently before the house. He noted that even after 10 years, the previous BRS government, which had conducted an integrated survey, did not make the data public.

He clarified that the opposition was misleading the house and invited suggestions on implementing a caste census, rejecting claims of any lack of legal sanctity to the resolution. Reddy said, “It is not correct to talk about no legal sanctity to the resolution. We are not doing it secretly. Some communities, with a small percentage who have a strong hold in the state, may feel bad, but we are open to suggestions.”

According to the Cabinet decision, the government introduced the resolution on caste census. The goal is to strengthen the weaker sections economically by allocating funds based on their population. Reddy urged everyone to welcome the resolution and provide suggestions, assuring the government’s readiness to consider constructive proposals.

Supporting the resolution, former Minister and BRs MLA, Gangula Kamalakar, suggested that the caste census should be conducted rigorously. Additionally, he recommended turning the resolution into a law on caste census rather than just a resolution.

Kamalakar expressed the view that enacting a law immediately after completing the caste census would be more effective. He noted that Telangana’s first Chief Minister, KCR, was the pioneer in recognizing MBCs, advocating for their inclusion in ministerial positions.

He demanded the swift implementation of the BC sub-plan, pointing out that Bihar recently conducted a caste census with legal implications.