“The Telangana government is implementing Rahul Gandhi’s vision of Jitni Aabadi Utni Hissedari,” said Ponnam Prabhakar.
Hyderabad, November 6, 2024 — In a move aimed at gathering in-depth socio-economic, employment, political, and caste-related data, the Telangana government commenced a statewide caste survey on Wednesday. This initiative, fulfilling an election promise by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is designed to inform future welfare policies and development programs in the state.
The government has mobilized approximately 80,000 teams to conduct the door-to-door survey, which is scheduled for completion by November 30. These teams will visit around 150 households each, reaching every corner of Telangana to assess residents’ economic, social, and caste conditions. Stickers identifying surveyed households were affixed on doors by Tuesday evening, ensuring an organized approach.
State Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar inaugurated the survey at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) office and urged citizens to participate fully and without concern. “This survey is crucial for addressing inequalities and providing equal justice across communities,” he stated, emphasizing the confidentiality of the collected information.
State IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu underscored the survey’s importance, stating, “The data collected will enable us to tailor welfare plans that reflect the needs of diverse communities across Telangana.” With village enumeration blocks identified and supervisors overseeing groups of 10 to 15 enumerators, the survey is structured for efficient data collection and quality control.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated his dedication to making Telangana a leader in caste-based census efforts during a Telangana Congress event on November 5. “This survey signifies a commitment to transparent, data-driven governance,” Gandhi said, assuring that any challenges faced in the process would be addressed.
To further the initiative, the Telangana government appointed retired IAS officer Busani Venkateshwara Rao to lead a one-man commission conducting an empirical inquiry into backward classes. The commission’s findings will aid in determining reservation allocations for local bodies, supporting fair representation of marginalized communities.
Survey data will be uploaded daily from local Mandal Revenue Offices (MROs), ensuring a streamlined process that provides the government with near-real-time updates. The results of this expansive survey are expected to serve as a cornerstone for creating equitable policies, guiding welfare distribution, and fostering inclusive governance throughout Telangana.