Telangana Minister Asserts Caste Survey is Error-Free
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Synopsis
Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has declared that the caste survey conducted in the state is free of errors, urging caste groups to report any discrepancies. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among political parties for the welfare of Backward Classes.
Key Takeaways
- Ponnam Prabhakar claims caste survey has no errors.
- Opposition parties urged to cooperate with the Congress.
- BRS leaders criticized for not participating in the survey.
- Caste survey indicates 56.33% of the population are BCs.
- Congress ready to allocate 42% of seats to BCs.
Hyderabad, Feb 7 (NationPress) Telangana Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar asserted on Friday that there are no errors in the caste survey carried out in the state, urging caste groups to notify the government if they discover any inaccuracies.
He requested that opposition parties refrain from politicizing the matter and instead collaborate with the Congress government to ensure justice for the Backward Classes (BCs).
"There is not even one percent error in the caste survey. If there are any discrepancies, please bring them to our attention," he told reporters in Karimnagar.
He noted that Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders did not engage in the survey, criticizing them for merely ridiculing it. "Those who abstained from the survey have no right to comment on it," he stated, demanding an apology from BRS leaders to the BCs.
Claiming that the entire nation is commending the caste survey, he mentioned that a few individuals are attempting to politicize the situation by casting doubts.
He highlighted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been advocating for a nationwide caste census.
The minister confirmed that the Congress party is prepared to allocate 42 percent of seats to Backward Classes in local body elections.
"The demand for a caste census has existed since independence. Our government successfully executed the process. Citizens voluntarily provided data for this purpose," he explained.
The Congress leader criticized the BJP regarding the caste census matter, asserting that the BJP had filed a court affidavit stating it would not conduct a caste census. He labeled the BJP a feudalistic party.
Ponnam Prabhakar stated that the caste survey in Telangana indicated that BCs make up 56.33 percent of the overall population. He reiterated that this data will assist the government in formulating and executing welfare programs.
"Utilizing this data, we can design sub-plans, enforce reservations, create job opportunities, and ensure BCs receive adequate representation in self-employment and other welfare initiatives," he added.
The state government presented the caste survey findings in the Assembly on February 4, where a resolution was passed urging the Centre to conduct a nationwide caste survey.
Both the main opposition BRS and the BJP have expressed skepticism regarding the survey's accuracy. The BRS has requested the government clarify how the BC population dropped from 61 percent in the integrated household survey conducted by its administration in 2014 to the current 56.33 percent.
