Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Saturday called the caste census conducted by the Telangana government a historic and transformative initiative that will reshape the nation’s course by ensuring targeted welfare for the truly underprivileged.
Speaking at the presentation of the SEEPC caste survey report at the Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute, Bhatti said the survey represents the most scientific and comprehensive exercise of its kind in India. The findings, he said, will be used to develop evidence-based policies to equitably distribute resources and wealth.
An independent panel of experts, selected for their integrity and impartiality, conducted a detailed analysis of the collected data. Among them were Justice Sudarshan Reddy, Kancha Ilaiah, Praveen Chakravarty, and Sukhadeo Thorat. Bhatti noted that despite several panel members being from the Reddy community, the process was devoid of bias.
He credited the Congress government’s commitment to social justice, recalling that the caste census was promised by Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and was launched soon after the party came to power. While there were concerns over tasking the Planning Department with the enumeration, he said the Telangana Cabinet meticulously designed the survey from questionnaire formulation to data collection and block-level implementation.
Bhatti also cited the legal hurdles faced by Bihar’s caste survey to highlight the complexity of Telangana’s achievement. He added that though members of the Assembly raised questions when the report was tabled, none could challenge its foundational integrity.
Describing the panel’s work as a labor of compassion and civic duty, Bhatti expressed deep gratitude for their contributions. He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to implement the recommendations and reiterated its commitment to equality, equity, and upliftment of the marginalised.
