Recent data from Telangana's caste survey shows that Backward Classes (BC) form the largest segment of the state's population, making up 56.33% of the total. The report has been reviewed by a Cabinet sub-committee and will be presented to the Cabinet on February 4, followed by further discussions in the Assembly on the same day

According to the report, the Backward Class population in Telangana stands at 1,99,85,767 individuals, which includes 35,76,588 Backward Class Muslims.The survey shows that Scheduled Castes (SC) make up about 17.43% of the population, which means there are 61,84,319 people in this group. Scheduled Tribes (ST) make up around 10.45%, or 37,05,929 people, while Other Castes (OC) account for roughly 15.79% of the population, adding up to 44,21,115 people.

According to the survey, there are 44,57,012 Muslims in the state, making up about 12.56% of the total population. Out of these, 10.08% are from the Backward Classes (BC) and 2.48% are from the Other Castes (OC). The survey covered about 96.9% of households, reaching 3,54,77,554 people in just 50 days, as stated by state minister Uttam Kumar Reddy at a press conference on Sunday. This caste survey was also one of the promises made by the Congress party before the Assembly elections in 2023.

How was the Telangana caste census conducted?

The survey was conducted by 94,863 enumerators and 9,628 supervisors who worked across 94,261 different areas. To quickly process the data, 76,000 data entry operators digitized the information within 36 days.

The government also say the survey results will help improve welfare schemes, create more job opportunities, and support disadvantaged communities. Reddy added that Telangana's caste survey was smoother and more efficient compared to Bihar's similar survey in 2023.

Government officials and policymakers will review the survey findings to see how they might affect future social and economic policies. The report will be presented to the Cabinet and later discussed in the Assembly, and it will help shape decisions on caste-based benefits and welfare programs.