HYDERABAD

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president and MLC B. Mahesh Kumar Goud has welcomed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to exclude caste enumeration from the 2027 Census. He urged the Union government to follow the Telangana model and conduct a nationwide caste census to promote social equity and inclusive governance.

In a statement issued here, Mr. Goud said that the Congress had consistently advocated a comprehensive caste census to address deep-rooted social and economic inequalities. He noted that the caste survey conducted by the Telangana government was carried out in a transparent and systematic manner, and could serve as a model for other States.

He said caste enumeration was essential for ensuring equitable opportunities for backward and marginalised communities in proportion to their population.

Mr. Goud added that the caste survey undertaken in Telangana, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and with the support of ministers and public representatives, had been a successful exercise. He said caste enumeration would play a crucial role in ensuring social justice, equal opportunities and a fair distribution of welfare benefits.

Former Telangana BC Commission Chairman Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as a democratic step in favour of social justice and constitutional governance. He observed that the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the second phase of the 2027 Census marked a significant policy initiative.

Welcoming the dismissal of petitions challenging the Centre’s decision, National BC Welfare Association president and MP (Rajya Sabha) R. Krishnaiah called it a historic development.

According to him, the Centre argued that caste plays a key role in shaping social, economic and living conditions, and that such data is necessary for policy decisions related to education, employment and welfare of backward communities.