Hyderabad:Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy appealed to the people of Telangana to actively support the ongoing caste census.
Addressing a public meeting of students on the occasion of Children's Day at LB stadium here on Thursday, Reddy stressed the importance of the caste census in ensuring accurate representation and access to social and economic benefits for various communities, especially the SCs, STs, BCs and minorities.
He accused certain vested interests of spreading false narratives, alleging that opposition parties are attempting to undermine the census by claiming that it aims to restrict welfare schemes and government benefits.
The Chief Minister stated that caste census was designed to provide data that would empower the Telangana government to break the 50 per cent cap on reservations, paving the way for increased representation in education, employment, and political arenas for marginalised communities. "Rahul Gandhi calls the caste census the 'X-ray of India.' I call it a 'Mega Health Checkup' for society," he said. He said that the initiative would give the government a 360-degree understanding of population demographics, which, in turn, would inform welfare initiatives for different sections of society.
Addressing students, Reddy urged them to play an active role in promoting the census among their parents, relatives and elders.
He said, “Officials are going door to door to collect data for the caste census. I urge every student here to tell your parents and relatives to participate fully. This census is essential to establish reservation based on population ratios and to promote social justice.”
The Chief Minister accused the BJP and BRS of deliberately stirring controversy around the census, suggesting that they are apprehensive about its potential impact.
“They know the consequences of a well-documented caste census—they are afraid of the redistribution of wealth to genuine beneficiaries,” he stated.
“Consider them traitors if they obstruct this essential caste survey,” he said. He argued that a comprehensive caste census would allow the government to make data-driven decisions to improve the lives of SC, ST, BC and minority communities by accurately assessing their economic, social, and educational status.
Reddy called on students to thwart conspiracies being floated against caste census, noting that the c results would directly affect their future opportunities.
"If you want more reservations in education and employment, if you want adequate budget allocation, if you want political representation proportionate to your population, then work towards the success of the census,” he said.
