In a major step toward social inclusion and better governance, the Government of Telangana has launched a comprehensive caste census, aiming to assess the social, financial, educational, employment, political, and caste-related status of 1.17 crore families across the state. The ambitious exercise, which kicked off on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, is set to be completed within three weeks.

A Deep Dive into the Diverse Social Fabric of Telangana

Unlike previous data collection efforts, this census is designed to provide a granular understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by families across the state, especially those from the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Backward Classes (BC). For the first time, the state will have a detailed map of the educational and economic status of all communities, including those not traditionally covered under specific government welfare schemes.

Empowering Policy-Making with Real-Time Data

The government plans to use the data collected through this exercise for informed policy-making. This data will provide insights into the unique challenges faced by different communities and help tailor policies that aim to uplift marginalized groups, including improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The census will also play a pivotal role in strengthening the implementation of various welfare schemes designed to narrow the socio-economic divide.

Human Stories Behind the Data

While numbers tell part of the story, it’s the human experience behind these statistics that will shape the future of Telangana. Meet families like that of Ramulu, a small farmer from a tribal village, who is hopeful that this census will bring much-needed attention to the lack of infrastructure and education in his community. “This could be the turning point for us,” says Ramulu, highlighting the hope of many marginalized groups that this census will lead to more targeted governmental support.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The task of enumerating over a crore families in just three weeks is no small feat. With trained surveyors visiting remote areas, there are inherent challenges, including geographical barriers and ensuring data accuracy. However, the Telangana government has pledged its commitment to ensuring transparency and accuracy, with the use of modern technology to track and verify data collection in real time.

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Future Generations

This census is not just a statistical exercise; it is a vision for an inclusive and equitable future. With the data in hand, Telangana hopes to create a roadmap for socio-economic progress that is based on the lived experiences of its people, ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey toward growth and development.