Hyderabad, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on Tuesday, urging the central government to replicate the state's household caste and socioeconomic survey. The resolution was presented by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who emphasized the state government's commitment to the welfare and development of Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other marginalized communities.
During the debate, CM Reddy highlighted that the Congress party would actively push for a nationwide survey through its leadership, particularly by raising the issue in Parliament. He noted that, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress had pledged to support the survey, which was successfully conducted within a year of the promise.
Reddy further stated that a constitutional amendment is required to implement a 42% reservation for Backward Classes, as prescribed by law, despite the existing cap of 50% on reservations. He assured that the Congress party would fulfill its commitment to provide a 42% quota for Backward Classes in the upcoming local body elections in Telangana, a promise made before the 2023 Assembly elections.
Cabinet Meeting and Session Delay
The session was briefly adjourned at 11 am after the government requested more time to complete the minutes of the cabinet meeting, which was still ongoing. Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu informed the Speaker that the cabinet had convened earlier in the day to discuss the caste survey before presenting it to the Assembly.
The delay in starting the session led to criticism from the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Senior BRS leader and former Minister Prashanth Reddy expressed dissatisfaction with the adjournment, labeling it an "insult" to the Assembly. "This has never happened in history," Reddy remarked, criticizing the government's failure to begin proceedings as scheduled.
Key Findings of the Caste Survey
The state’s Planning Department, which conducted the caste survey, submitted its findings to a cabinet sub-committee on February 2. According to the survey, Backward Classes (excluding Muslim minorities) constitute the largest group in Telangana, making up 46.25% of the state's total population of 3.70 crore.
Other key findings include:
During the debate, CM Reddy highlighted that the Congress party would actively push for a nationwide survey through its leadership, particularly by raising the issue in Parliament. He noted that, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress had pledged to support the survey, which was successfully conducted within a year of the promise.
Reddy further stated that a constitutional amendment is required to implement a 42% reservation for Backward Classes, as prescribed by law, despite the existing cap of 50% on reservations. He assured that the Congress party would fulfill its commitment to provide a 42% quota for Backward Classes in the upcoming local body elections in Telangana, a promise made before the 2023 Assembly elections.
Cabinet Meeting and Session Delay
The session was briefly adjourned at 11 am after the government requested more time to complete the minutes of the cabinet meeting, which was still ongoing. Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu informed the Speaker that the cabinet had convened earlier in the day to discuss the caste survey before presenting it to the Assembly.
The delay in starting the session led to criticism from the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Senior BRS leader and former Minister Prashanth Reddy expressed dissatisfaction with the adjournment, labeling it an "insult" to the Assembly. "This has never happened in history," Reddy remarked, criticizing the government's failure to begin proceedings as scheduled.
Key Findings of the Caste Survey
The state’s Planning Department, which conducted the caste survey, submitted its findings to a cabinet sub-committee on February 2. According to the survey, Backward Classes (excluding Muslim minorities) constitute the largest group in Telangana, making up 46.25% of the state's total population of 3.70 crore.
Other key findings include:
- Scheduled Castes: 17.43%
- Scheduled Tribes: 10.45%
- Backward Classes among Muslims: 10.08%
- Other Castes: 13.31%
- OCs among Muslims: 2.48%
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