Telangana Backward Classes Commission Initiates Caste Survey with Public Hearings Starting October 28

The Telangana Commission for Backward Classes has initiated steps to conduct a caste survey in the state. A notification was issued to hold public hearings for receiving inputs from interested parties. These hearings will take place at the headquarters of 10 undivided districts, covering all 33 districts, starting on October 28.

Public Hearings and Survey Details

The Commission announced that additional hearings will occur at its office on November 12 for NGOs, institutions, and caste/welfare associations, and on November 13 for the general public. Chairman G Niranjan stated that approximately 80,000 enumerators and 10,000 supervisors will be involved in the survey across Telangana.

Data Collection and Objectives

Enumerators will gather data on the social, educational, and economic status of citizens, including any political opportunities they have received. The Commission aims to use this data to recommend reservation percentages for backward classes in local bodies.

Government Involvement and Responsibilities

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has set a deadline of December 9 for data submission. During a recent meeting, Reddy instructed officials to expedite the social, economic, and caste survey process for Backward Classes. Responding to Niranjan's request for a special mechanism due to the Commission's lack of administrative machinery, the CM assigned the planning department this responsibility.

Political Context and Future Plans

Local body elections are expected to follow the survey's completion. Last year, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promised a caste census in Telangana if his party won the assembly polls. This initiative aligns with that promise and reflects ongoing political commitments in the region.

The survey's findings will play a crucial role in shaping policies for backward classes in Telangana. The involvement of various stakeholders through public hearings ensures comprehensive data collection.