Telangana caste census: Centre's objections unwarranted says G Niranjan

Hyderabad: Telangana Backward Class Commission has expressed strong objection to the central government criticism to the caste survey conducted in Telangana.

G Niranjan chairman of the commission says, "It is a fact census falls under the purview of the central government but the caste survey conducted in Telangana was in a comprehensive manner."

"97.10 percent people were covered. the house to house survey was made of caste wise population, political, economic, social, educational and employment conditions of the state. Wherever there were gaps, the commission members have personally attended to them. There ahs been revision too," explained Niranjan.

Enumerators

Total of 94,261 enumeration blocks were set up, 1,03,899 enumerators and supervisors were appointed and the information was collated in a scientific manner.

Niranjan says, "To call such a meticulously conducted survey a bunch of mistakes would be an insult to the people of Telangana. Based on the survey data, there was a full discussion in the assembly and 2 bills were passed providing 42% reservation for BCs. This was also supported by all parties irrespective of party affiliation."

Why did centre fail to conduct census?

The criticism of the central government is unwarrented, said the commission members. Those who are criticising the state must clarify who is responsible for not conducting census in 2021. The Center announced that a population and caste census would be conducted with the enthusiasm of the people across the country after the survey in Telangana, said the commission members in a note.

Telangana survey

Niranjan says, "The Telangana survey was conducted with the intention of providing priority and reservation to the backward classes based on their number. What is the intention of the central government in conducting the census is still not clear."

He adds, " Rather than trying to undermine the survey in Telangana, the people of Telangana would be happy if those in responsible positions in the central government tried for enactment of the bills passed by the Telangana assembly."