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Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Armed with caste report, Revanth Reddy govt plans BC quota, benefits for 14 Muslim groups
The Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in Telangana is considering a proposal to streamline the quota benefits for 14 Muslim groups, which include about 3 lakh Shia families, under the Backward Classes (BC) reservation regime based on their social, educational and economic backwardness. These 14 socially and economically backward Muslim groups had been given 4% reservation for government jobs and education under a separate category BC (E), which restricts quota benefits for them. Also, due to legal issues over allegations of religion-based quota and lack of awareness in the Muslim community, it has 'not been implemented properly', sources said. The Revanth Reddy government's social, economic, educational, employment and political caste (SEEPC) survey, whose report was made public in February this year, found that the Muslim community accounts for about 12.58% of Telangana's population, of which BC Muslims make up 10.08% and OC (Other Castes) Muslims about 2.5%. This is down from 12.69% Muslim population in the state as per the 2011 population Census. The expert committee which reviewed the caste survey report found that a number of Muslim women, especially in Old City of Hyderabad, did not wish to interact with the enumerators in the absence of their families' male members and did not share information about their households, occupation, livelihood, which might have led to about '1-2% under-reporting of the Muslim count', sources said. The survey report stated that the BCs — including the Muslim caste groups — form 56.33% of the state's population. Based on these findings, the Telangana Assembly passed two key legislation in March, increasing the BC reservation from 27% to 42% in government jobs, educational institutions and urban and rural local body polls. The Bills were then sent to Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma for his assent, who has referred them to President Droupadi Murmu. The Telangana government's advisor on the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), minorities welfare, Mohammed Ali Shabbir, told The Indian Express that as per the caste survey report, of the state's nearly 12.58% Muslim population, 2.5% are above the poverty line and could be considered as 'well off'. 'The report states that 10.08% of Muslims in the state are socially and economically backward. Like many BC communities, these Muslim groups require support in employment, education, political representation at micro level, and financial assistance to improve their livelihood chances. Occupation-based castes are at maximum risk of poverty as per the report,'' Shabbir said. The report has drawn focus towards the 3 lakh Shia families who are not doing well socially and financially but are also excluded from any government schemes and benefits, he said. 'Purely going by castes, Saiyyeds, Mughals, Pathans, Arabs, Kojja Memons, Agha Khanis, Bohras – all of them are excluded from quotas. The BJP is unnecessarily creating an issue that reservation is being proposed based on religion. These Muslims castes are based on their occupation just like many BC castes, and they need government support based on their social, educational, and financial backwardness, not on the basis of their religion,' Shabbir said. 'Whenever quota for Muslims was proposed, every government or court asked where is your data? This survey has given that data. We know the numerical strength of each Muslim group, and their plight is very dire. Most Muslims living below the poverty line are vegetable and fruit sellers, scrap dealers, drivers, etc just like other BC groups. They need jobs, education, financial support, and political representation,'' he said, adding that the government is considering extending to the 14 Muslim groups similar benefits and schemes that it is planning for the BCs, SCs, and STs in the state.


Time of India
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Backwardness Index: 71% BCs caught in deep backwardness
Hyderabad: As the proposed enhancement of reservations for Backwards Classes (BC) occupies a central place in the state's political discourse, the Backwardness Index (BCI) has revealed important insights. The index, created by a group of experts using data sourced from the Social, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste Survey (SEEPC), shows that 71% of the 134 BC sub-castes were close to deep backwardness on the composite BCI. The BCI is a unique initiative designed to assess the socio-economic status of various communities in the state. The findings, to be discussed at the cabinet meeting on Monday, which are in the exclusive possession of TOI, indicate that 243 communities have been assigned scores ranging from 0 to 126, with an average score of 81. In the composite backwardness index, a higher score (126) signifies a greater degree of backwardness, indicating significant barriers to progress, while a low score (0) reflects relative advancement and improved living conditions. The scores of a staggering 99% of Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, 97% of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, and 71% of Backward Classes (BC) reflected more backwardness (above 81%), highlighting significant struggles across 42 evaluated parameters for these communities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo Notably, none of the forward castes, including forward castes within the Muslim community, have an average score below 81, indicating that they are exempt from the levels of backwardness reflected in this study. However, sources indicate that, in practice, no caste has been able to achieve either the maximum score of 126 or a zero across the board. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Telangana has 59 sub-castes among Scheduled Castes (SC) and 33 sub-castes among Scheduled Tribes (ST). The caste survey has revealed that non-Muslim Backward Classes (BC) make up 46.25% of the population or 1,64,09,179 individuals. Additionally, Muslim BCs account for 10.8% of the population, which corresponds to 35,76,588. When combining these two groups, the total population representing Hindu, Muslim, and Christian converts from SCs is 56.33%. The expert committee has meticulously identified 42 essential parameters from a comprehensive survey questionnaire, which delve into crucial aspects such as literacy rates, educational attainment, and patterns of asset ownership. These parameters are methodically arranged along a spectrum that categorises groups from 'most backward' to 'least backward,' providing a nuanced understanding of social stratification. To deepen this analysis, several sub-indices have been developed, each targeting specific dimensions of backwardness. These include the social backwardness index, which examines community cohesion and social networks; the gender backwardness index, highlighting disparities in gender equality; the educational backwardness index, focused on access to and quality of education; the occupational backwardness index, which assesses employment opportunities and job types; and the living conditions index, evaluating factors such as housing quality and access to essential services.


Time of India
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Well of change': Expert panel proposes targeted welfare schemes
Hyderabad: The expert committee on the Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste Survey (SEEPC) has proposed the implementation of targeted welfare schemes tailored to the varying levels of backwardness experienced by different communities. To illustrate this concept, the committee offered a compelling analogy: envisioning a govt-dug well that serves as a central water source. Instead of allowing every household unfettered access to the well, regardless of their specific needs and capabilities, it would be more effective to install pipelines that deliver water directly to each home. This approach ensures that resources are allocated based on actual requirements, allowing the most disadvantaged communities to receive the necessary support while promoting a more equitable distribution of welfare benefits. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad In its executive summary, the committee drew this analogy, opining that the index serves as a powerful tool to enable a shift toward targeted welfare initiatives. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to social schemes, the govt can now design and implement welfare programmes specifically tailored to the unique needs of different communities. The report also noted that even among the marginalised communities, the degree of backwardness is relative. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo Therefore, it is important to adopt target-based schemes to address these differences effectively. As the comprehensive 300-page report detailing the backwardness index is set to be tabled before the cabinet for a discussion, deliberations are expected on whether the report should be presented in the assembly. Sources indicate that there will be significant discussion concerning the public release of the findings, as both the Congress high command and the expert committee have recommended transparency to address any misconceptions about various communities. It is important to note that the report's findings will only be made public if they are formally tabled in the assembly, ensuring that the dissemination of information follows proper legislative procedures.


India Today
25-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Revanth Reddy calls Sonia Gandhi's appreciation letter Lifetime Achievement Award
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy described a letter of appreciation from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as the highest honour of his political career, equating it to an Oscar, a Nobel Prize, and a Lifetime Achievement the letter 'greater than any chair' he holds or development work he's undertaken, Revanth said, 'To me, this is equivalent to an Oscar Award, a Nobel Prize, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.' He added that the letter would remain special to him regardless of his position in letter from Sonia Gandhi reportedly appreciated Revanth Reddy's governance and the work done under his leadership, including the completion of the Social, Economic, Educational, Employment and Political Caste (SEEPC) survey, a flagship initiative of the Congress government in comment sparked ridicule from the opposition. BRS leader Krishank took a dig at the CM on X, writing, 'How can a letter from Sonia Gandhi ji of not being able to attend be called as a Lifetime Achievement or Oscar Award for CM Revanth?' The statement came as Revanth Reddy addressed Congress leaders at the AICC headquarters in Delhi, presenting the findings of Telangana's Social, Economic, Educational, Employment and Political Caste (SEEPC) survey. The Chief Minister said the survey, conducted door-to-door and through self-certification, collected over 88 crore pages of data and was completed within a credited Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for the idea, stating the promise for a caste survey was made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Telangana and fulfilled within a year. The state has now passed two bills granting 42 per cent reservation to BCs in education, employment, and political opportunities, both awaiting the Centre's urging Congress MPs to fight for the passage of these bills in Parliament, Revanth once again pointed to Sonia Gandhi's role in the formation of Telangana. 'Under her leadership, the UPA government fulfilled the dream of a separate Telangana. Similarly, the Gandhi family has kept its word on the caste survey,' he said.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Telangana


Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Telangana set to finalise first composite Backwardness index; report to cover 242 caste groups
File photo HYDERABAD: The first ever Composite Backwardness Index (CBI) report is set to be completed in the coming days, with the indepent expert group appointed by the state govt finalising the analysis of the data sourced from the Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste Survey (SEEPC). During a press conference on Wednesday, committee convener Praveen Chakravarty announced that the final meeting to review the report, which spans 300 pages, has concluded. The team is now preparing to submit their findings to chief minister A Revanth Reddy. Chakravarty elaborated on the innovative scoring system that assigns backwardness scores to 242 caste groups, a task informed by a massive survey that engaged 3.55 crore individuals across 74 diverse fields of information. 'The fundamental concept behind this initiative is a ranking method that quantifies backwardness. To calculate the Composite Backwardness Index scores, the researchers utilised an extensive array of 42 parameters, which encompass crucial aspects such as education levels, gender equality, occupational status, living conditions, income brackets, asset ownership, land rights, experiences of discrimination, and access to financial and capital resources' he said. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Chakravarty expressed confidence that the final adjustments would be completed within the next 10 days.