Telangana BC Commission defends caste survey, dismisses criticism 

HYDERABAD

The Telangana Backward Classes (BC) Commission has strongly objected to criticism of the caste survey done in the State.

Despite the fact that conducting a census falls under the purview of the Central Government, the Telangana survey was comprehensive, and covered all relevant factors through a meticulous house-to-house inquiry. The survey assessed caste-wise population, political, economic, social, educational, and employment of people, said BC Commission Chairman G. Niranjan.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, Mr. Niranjan said, “An impressive 1,12,36,849 families (97.10%) were covered, with 94,261 enumeration blocks set up and 1,03,889 enumerators and supervisors appointed to collect information during the two-phase survey.”

The survey data led to a detailed discussion in the Assembly, resulting in the passage of two Bills that provided 42% reservation for BCs, with support from all parties regardless of affiliation. Critics of the survey should clarify who is responsible for the delay in conducting the 2021 census.

Stating that the caste survey in the State aimed to provide priority and reservation to BCs based on their population, he said that it remains unclear how the Centre’s caste census will benefit BCs.