Rahul Gandhi Vows to Break 50% Reservation Cap with Caste Census
Rahul Gandhi, senior Congress leader, has pledged to dismantle the “artificial barrier” of 50% reservation for marginalized communities, calling caste discrimination in India “one of the worst in the world.”
Speaking at an event in Telangana today, Gandhi emphasized that the Congress is committed to revealing India’s socioeconomic profile through a comprehensive caste census, aimed at ensuring more equitable representation in government schemes and reservations.
Telangana Set to Begin Caste Census
Telangana, led by the Congress, will initiate a statewide caste census on November 6, following the example set by Karnataka. This makes it the second Congress-ruled state to undertake such an initiative. The survey, scheduled to conclude by the end of the month, aims to gather detailed socioeconomic data on various castes to better understand the distribution of wealth and opportunities across the state.
Joined by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Gandhi addressed the state Congress meeting and interacted with social groups, caste associations, and other stakeholders, affirming Congress’s commitment to economic and social equity.
Caste Survey to Include Economic Mapping
The Congress’s proposed survey will encompass economic mapping to accurately identify India’s poor and their share in the population, according to the party. By doing so, the party aims to challenge the current 50% cap on reservations, which they view as an artificial constraint.
Earlier this year, Gandhi expressed his support for the initiative in a Hindi post on X, saying the survey would “X-Ray” the nation and ensure equitable reservations, rights, and opportunities.
Extensive Survey to Require 48,000 Teachers
The survey will be conducted by a team of 48,000 teachers, who will visit households across Telangana to collect data. As a result, primary schools in the state will operate on a half-day schedule throughout the month to accommodate the survey’s staffing needs.
This caste census marks a significant shift in Congress’s strategy, as it aims to create a robust framework to push for reservation reforms based on updated socioeconomic data. The last backward caste panel, formed under a 1993 law, was limited to gathering educational and employment quota data. However, Telangana’s new census will focus on creating a detailed socioeconomic profile of all castes, signaling a broader approach to addressing inequality.
