A recent caste and socio-economic survey conducted by the Telangana government has unveiled startling disparities in the socio-economic status across various communities. The findings indicate that Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are significantly more disadvantaged compared to General Castes, highlighting a critical issue in the state’s social fabric. Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar shared these insights during a report release on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions in these communities.
The comprehensive survey, commissioned by the Congress-led state government for the year 2024-2025, reveals that SCs and STs are three times more marginalized than their General Caste counterparts. This data is particularly alarming, as it underscores the systemic inequalities that continue to plague these communities. In addition, Backward Classes are reported to be 2.7 times more backward than General Castes, indicating a broader spectrum of socio-economic challenges faced by these groups.
According to the survey, which collected data on population distribution across various social categories, Scheduled Castes comprise approximately 17.43% of Telangana’s population, totaling 6,184,319 individuals. Meanwhile, Scheduled Tribes account for about 10.45%, with a population of 3,705,929. In stark contrast, the Backward Classes, excluding the Muslim minority, make up the largest demographic, with 16,409,179 individuals. This highlights the pressing need for policy reforms aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by these communities.
The findings also indicate that of the 242 castes surveyed in Telangana, 135 are categorized as more backward than the Composite Backwardness Index (CBI) used by the state government to assess caste-based socio-economic conditions. These 135 castes represent nearly 67% of the state’s total population, with 69 falling under Backward Classes, while 41 and 25 belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, respectively. This extensive data paints a vivid picture of the socio-economic landscape in Telangana, revealing that equity and social justice remain distant goals.
Interestingly, the survey noted that all 18 castes within the more privileged ‘General Caste’ category, which constitutes about 12% of the overall population, perform significantly better than the CBI average. This stark contrast poses critical questions regarding affirmative action and social welfare policies, as the state grapples with the implications of these findings.
As the Telangana government continues to analyze the survey results, the focus is expected to shift towards implementing effective measures aimed at uplifting the marginalized SC and ST communities. The data serves as a vital tool for policymakers, stakeholders, and social activists to collaborate on creating more inclusive policies that address the root causes of backwardness in these communities.
