■   Telangana CM offers Survey model, support for the Centre for Nationwide Caste Census

■  Revanth proposed that PM Modi set a timeline for the completion of the census

■   Form a committee of Central Ministers as well as an expert committee of officials

■   Form a committee of Central Ministers as well as an expert committee of officials 

■ Rahul Gandhi made a commitment to the people of Telangana that Congress would conduct a caste census and we fullfilled

metro india news  I hyderabad

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy asserted that the caste data collected by the Centre during the upcoming National Population Census will take precedence, but emphasised that Telangana’s recent caste survey stands as a model for the nation. He urged the Central government to make full use of Telangana’s experience, systems, and services as it prepares to undertake a nationwide caste enumeration.

“We have successfully conducted a caste survey in Telangana for the first time in nearly 100 years. While the Centre’s data will prevail once collected, the Telangana model offers valuable lessons that the Centre can adopt,” the Chief Minister said, addressing a press conference at his residence in Jubilee Hills on Thursday.

Revanth Reddy proposed that the Union government appoint a group of Central ministers and constitute an expert committee of senior officials to engage in wide consultations with state governments, stakeholders, civil society organisations, and political parties. “Before embarking on the nationwide caste census, the Centre must prepare clear Terms of Reference and a fixed timeline. Caste structures vary across states — one community classified as BC in one state may be OC in another. These variations must be addressed systematically,” he stressed.

The CM highlighted that the caste survey in Telangana was carried out with a meticulously prepared 8-page questionnaire comprising 57 questions, following extensive consultation with all political parties and community groups. The state government ensured maximum transparency by deploying enumerators, supervisors, and senior officials, with the Chief Secretary and CM himself personally monitoring progress. “We even gave a second chance to households that missed out initially, completing the entire process within three months without legal disputes or controversies,” Reddy noted, calling it an inclusive and apolitical effort that should be seen as a “national model.”

Revanth Reddy credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for conceptualising the caste census, calling it an “X-ray of society” during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. “Rahul Gandhi made a commitment to the people of Telangana that Congress would conduct a caste census, and we have fulfilled that promise within one year of assuming office.

The credit belongs to him,” he stated. Two resolutions were passed by the Telangana Assembly—one urging the Centre to conduct a national caste census and another demanding the removal of the 50% cap on reservations. He also recalled how the Telangana Congress and BC associations staged protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to pressurise the Union government.

Welcoming the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the general census, Revanth Reddy said, “I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this significant step. This is not the time for political point-scoring. I urge him to announce a clear timeline for starting and concluding the exercise, and to send top officials to Telangana to learn from our model. We are ready to present our findings and share best practices with Delhi.”

The Chief Minister revealed that the state government has already appointed a committee of intellectuals and experts to analyse the data and suggest policy measures to ensure fair distribution of budgetary allocations, educational opportunities, and employment benefits to all communities based on the survey findings.

Responding to criticism from BJP leaders in Telangana, Reddy said they are rattled because PM Modi is now following the Congress-led Telangana government’s model. “The BJP has been in power at the Centre for nearly 11 years, yet no BJP-ruled state has initiated such an exercise. Their sudden support for caste census is due to political compulsions,” he said, referring to the NDA's need to maintain coalition strength. He added, “We’re not trying to dominate anyone. If the Centre wants to learn from us, we welcome that. Our only intention is to uplift the SCs, STs, BCs, and minority communities.”

On a separate note, when asked about the appeal from some intellectuals for a ceasefire and dialogue with Maoists, the Chief Minister reiterated the Congress party’s position against violence. “Whether it comes from the state or any group, violence is not acceptable. Dialogue is the only way forward, and an official stand will be taken after consultation with our party leadership,” he stressed.