In a landmark development, Telangana’s recent caste survey has revealed that backward classes make up the majority of the state’s population. According to the "Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste Survey," released in early February 2025, backward classes (BCs) constitute 56.33% of the population. The survey, which included data from over 35 million people, was initiated as part of the Congress party's electoral promise during the 2023 elections.
Here’s a summary of the caste survey numbers in a table:
Category | Percentage of Telangana's Population |
Backward Classes (BCs) | 56.33% |
Scheduled Castes (SCs) | 17.43% |
Scheduled Tribes (STs) | 10.45% |
Other Castes (OCs) | 15.79% |
BC Muslims | 10.08% |
This table reflects the breakdown of Telangana’s population as revealed by the caste survey, highlighting the dominance of backward classes, followed by the SCs, STs, and OCs.
The breakdown of the population shows that Scheduled Castes (SCs) represent 17.43%, Scheduled Tribes (STs) account for 10.45%, and Other Castes (OCs) make up 15.79%. Among the BC population, there is a significant Muslim representation, with BC Muslims making up 10.08% of the state's total.
This caste-based data provides a comprehensive overview of Telangana's social fabric, which is crucial for shaping welfare policies, improving job opportunities, and addressing socio-economic disparities. The data collection involved nearly 100,000 enumerators and 9,000 supervisors, and was completed efficiently within 50 days.
The survey's findings have significant implications for governance. It marks a shift toward data-driven policymaking, setting a precedent for welfare schemes that cater to the state's diverse needs. It also aligns with the Congress government's commitment to social justice, fulfilling a key promise made during the 2023 elections.
Despite some challenges, such as locked houses and initial hesitance from some households, the survey is being hailed as a major success. It also adds to the ongoing national conversation about caste-based surveys, which have been a hot topic in Indian politics, especially following similar surveys in Bihar.
As Telangana continues to move forward with data-backed governance, the results of this survey will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s future welfare policies. The survey not only reflects the demographic composition of the state but also provides a detailed understanding of the socio-economic conditions that need to be addressed for equitable development.
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