Telangana caste census a diversion from real issues: Opposition

Telangana government’s data collection for the caste census faced criticism from the BJP as well as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, which called the move a diversion from “real issues”.
The survey, which began on November 6, aims to guide the government in planning welfare schemes targeted at marginalised sections.
The caste census is a large-scale door-to-door survey to collect data on the state’s social, educational, economic, employment, political, and caste dynamics.
Telangana State IT Minister Dudilla Sridhar Babu emphasised the Congress’s commitment to a caste census. “Our leader Rahul Gandhi promised a caste census, and the Chief Minister and Cabinet have taken this decision to fulfil that commitment. This census will encompass all castes, helping us better allocate and implement welfare schemes,” he stated.
Even as the survey faced challenges in terms of data collection, the BJP raised concerns over privacy and intent, and the BRS criticised the Congress about why it was required.
BJP spokesperson Ramchander Rao highlighted people’s apprehensions about data confidentiality. “People are hesitant to share personal information, fearing data leaks. The BJP is not against a caste census, but what benefit will it bring? This seems like a tactic to divert attention and create divisions just before the gram panchayat elections,” Rao argued.
BRS spokesperson M Krishank questioned the need for another survey. He pointed out that the state recently collected extensive data from over 1.05 crore households for the “Praja Palana” initiative.
“How can there be one survey in 2024 and then another in the same year? What was the purpose of the ‘Praja Palana’ forms if not for such data? This survey is nothing but a diversion from the promises made to the people,” Krishank said.
Krishank further asserted that reservations based on caste data would ultimately be decided by the central government.