Telangana Leaders Welcome Supreme Court's Ruling on Caste Census

The president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, has expressed support for the Supreme Court’s recent decision to dismiss a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought to exclude caste enumeration from the upcoming 2027 Census. Goud has called on the Union government to adopt the Telangana model for conducting a nationwide caste census, which he believes would foster social equity and inclusive governance.

In a formal statement, Goud commented on the Congress party's long-standing advocacy for a thorough caste census, emphasising its importance in addressing longstanding social and economic disparities. He highlighted the success of the caste survey conducted by the Telangana government, noting that it was conducted in a transparent and systematic manner, making it a potential model for implementation in other states.

"Caste enumeration is essential for providing equitable opportunities to backward and marginalised communities in proportion to their population," he added. Goud attributed the successful execution of the caste survey in Telangana to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his team, stating that it would be vital for ensuring social justice and fair distribution of welfare benefits.

Former Chairman of the Telangana Backward Classes Commission, Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao, also lauded the Supreme Court's ruling, describing it as a pivotal step towards social justice and constitutional governance. He noted that the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the second phase of the 2027 Census represents a significant policy development.

National BC Welfare Association president and Rajya Sabha MP, R. Krishnaiah, echoed these sentiments, referring to the dismissal of the petitions challenging the Centre's decision as a historic event. He remarked that the government’s argument for including caste data is pivotal in shaping policies concerning education, employment, and welfare initiatives for backward communities.

The Supreme Court's decision has further encouraged discussions about the necessity of accurate data on caste for informed policymaking, fuelling ongoing debates about representation and equity in Indian governance structures.