T’gana Caste Survey reveals key demographic insights

Hyderabad

A caste survey conducted in Telangana has revealed that backward classes, excluding Muslim minorities, make up 46.25% of the state’s total population of 3.70 crore. This group is the largest segment, followed by Scheduled Castes (17.43%), Scheduled Tribes (10.45%), backward classes within Muslim minorities (10.08%), and Other Castes (13.31%), with OCs within Muslims accounting for 2.48%.

Survey Findings and Legislative Actions

The state planning department, which conducted the survey, submitted the report to a cabinet sub-committee headed by Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday. The findings will be presented to the state cabinet on February 4 and debated in a special session of the legislative assembly on the same day.

Key Figures and Reservations

The population figures in numbers are as follows: Scheduled Castes - 61,84,319; Scheduled Tribes - 37,05,929; BCs other than Muslim minorities - 1,64,09,179; BCs among Muslim minorities - 35,76,588; and Muslim (OC) - 8,80,424. The total Muslim population in Telangana stands at 12.56%.

Historic Achievement and Future Benefits

Minister Reddy described the report as a historic achievement, as it covered 96.9% of the population, with about 16 lakh people left out due to non-participation or unavailability. This data will provide valuable insights to create data-driven welfare programs across social, economic, educational, and political fields, benefiting the most marginalized sections of society. The survey, a key promise by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, was conducted over 50 days starting November 6, 2024.