Did Jagan Mohan Reddy Endorse the Centre's Caste Census Initiative?

Amaravati, May 1 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and leader of the YSR Congress Party, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has expressed his support for the government's move to carry out a caste-focused census.

On Thursday, he took to the platform 'X' to commend the Centre's decision to incorporate a caste enumeration alongside the forthcoming population census.

"Under my leadership, Andhra Pradesh was the first to pass a resolution in November 2021, and we successfully executed the first BC caste-wise enumeration in January 2024 through our village and ward secretariats," Jagan Mohan Reddy stated.

He emphasized that a caste-based census would facilitate targeted welfare initiatives and promote economic and social progress for underprivileged and marginalized groups. He further noted, "This is a significant move towards attaining genuine social justice and inclusive advancement for every segment of society."

Previously, the YSRCP had released a statement applauding the Central government's choice to conduct a caste-based census during the upcoming national population survey.

Former Minister Venugopala Krishna remarked that this initiative is essential for realizing true social justice, as it will allow for more precise policy development and targeted welfare strategies for backward and marginalized communities nationwide.

He recalled that Andhra Pradesh, under Jagan Mohan Reddy's leadership, set a precedent by acknowledging the significance of caste-specific data and taking action. The YSRCP government made a request in the State Assembly in November 2021 to the Centre for the inclusion of caste enumeration in the national census.

In January 2024, Andhra Pradesh became the pioneer state to conduct a caste-based population survey through its village and ward secretariats. While the survey was successfully completed, Venugopala Krishna noted that the results are currently in the hands of the existing state government and have yet to be disclosed.

He asserted that caste enumeration is vital for comprehending the current social, educational, and economic circumstances of various communities. It lays the groundwork for crafting inclusive policies and ensuring that developmental benefits reach historically marginalized groups.

He concluded by stating that Jagan Mohan Reddy's administration has been deeply committed to uplifting all segments of the population, particularly the backward classes, through Direct Benefit Transfer schemes and a commitment to transparency in governance.