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Key Points

The Congress Working Committee has recommended that the central government adopt Telangana's caste census model as a nationwide strategy. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlighted the importance of a transparent, inclusive approach to gathering demographic data. The proposed method involves extensive consultations with political parties, civil society, and experts to ensure comprehensive coverage. This recommendation comes at a critical moment in India's political and social landscape, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding of population dynamics.

Key Points: CWC Urges Modi Govt to Adopt Telangana Caste Census Model

  • Telangana developed consultative caste survey with civil society involvement
  • CWC recommends national model based on state's approach
  • Revanth Reddy suggests expert committee for comprehensive census
  • Centre advised to build consensus across political stakeholders
3 min read

CWC urges Centre to follow Telangana model for caste census

Congress leaders push for nationwide caste survey following Telangana's transparent and inclusive approach to demographic data collection

"Congress is ready and resolved to yet again rise to the occasion for the nation - Revanth Reddy"

Hyderabad, May 2

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has said that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) believes that the caste survey model of Telangana provides an effective and inclusive framework that the government of India must follow to conduct the caste census across the country.

The Chief Minister, who attended the CWC meeting held in Delhi on Friday, posted on X that the meeting was held at a crucial juncture in India's history when the country faces several challenges.

From national security to social justice, changing world order and economic inequalities, India is at a delicate crossroads of history.

"Congress is ready and resolved to yet again rise to the occasion for the nation. While acknowledging that the pressure created by Rahul Gandhi ji has led to a declaration of caste census, we will fight to ensure it is done with the right spirit & in the correct manner," reads the post.

In Telangana, the design of the caste survey was developed through a consultative and transparent process, with the active involvement of civil society, social scientists, and community leaders. Rather than being a closed bureaucratic exercise, it was open to public inputs and scrutiny. The CWC strongly urged the Central government to adopt a similar approach for the national caste census., the Chief Minister wrote.

"Feeling inspired after interacting with our top leadership, Mallikarjun Kharge ji, Sonia Gandhi ji, and our top echelon, discussing several issues about India's current situation & future," he added.

Revanth Reddy on Thursday suggested to the Centre to follow Telangana model for caste census by forming a group of ministers and an experts' committee to study the caste profile in every state before undertaking caste census as part of general census.

He suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government first constitute a group of ministers to build consensus by visiting the states to seek suggestions of the state governments and all stakeholders. Subsequently, a committee of experts including officials should be constituted to work out the terms of reference for caste census, he said.

Stating that every state has a different caste composition, Revanth Reddy said the expert committee should visit all the states to study the situation so that a questionnaire can be prepared for caste census.

He said Centre should follow Telangana, which formed a group of ministers to hold consultations with the political parties, caste groups and civil society and studied the situation in every district.

He pointed out that following the consultations with all sections, 57 questions were prepared for collecting data during caste census. The data of each family was collected through these questions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some constructive suggestions! The Telangana model seems practical with its district-level consultations. But will the Centre listen? 🤔 We need data to address inequalities, but it must be done carefully without politicizing the process.
P
Priya M.
As someone from Telangana, I saw how transparent our caste survey was. The local leaders actually came to our colony to explain the process. If done nationwide like this, it could really help in better policy-making. 👍
A
Arjun S.
Why only focus on caste? What about economic status? A rich person from any caste doesn't need reservations. The survey should consider multiple factors, not just caste identity. The Telangana model could improve by adding this dimension.
S
Sunita R.
Good initiative but implementation is key! Remember the last census? So many errors in our village records. Hope they train surveyors properly and use technology to maintain accuracy. Telangana's 57-question format seems thorough though.
V
Vikram J.
While transparency is good, I worry about how this data might be misused during elections. Political parties might use it to divide people further instead of uniting them. The Centre must ensure strict data protection laws first.
N
Neha P.
The consultative approach is refreshing! In Bihar, the caste survey created so much tension. If Telangana managed it peacefully with civil society involvement, it's worth trying nationally. But will all states cooperate? That's the big question.

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