Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, AICC Secretary Sachin Sawant, Government Advisor V. Hanumantha Rao, and leaders of various BC associations participated in the conference
OBC leaders from various states attended the national OBC conference
Discussion held on “Central Government policy decisions regarding OBC census enumeration – Immediate responsibilities and future course of action for OBCs”
A united nationwide struggle is essential for the rights of BCs: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar
A caste census must be conducted by including an OBC column in the 2027 census
Fair representation must be provided to BCs in proportion to their population
Telangana has completed the caste census and submitted the report to the Centre
The Centre should reconsider the 50 percent reservation cap
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar at the national OBC conference
Hyderabad, September 20:
State BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar stated that a nationwide caste census should be conducted by including a specific column for OBCs in the census scheduled for 2027. He noted that fair representation based on population can only be ensured for OBCs once their population size is scientifically enumerated. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar participated in and addressed a national OBC conference held at Hotel Tourism Plaza in Begumpet, centered on the theme: “Central Government Policy Decisions on OBC Census – Immediate Responsibilities and Future Course of Action for OBCs.”
The conference was attended by AICC Secretary Sachin Sawant, Government Advisor V. Hanumantha Rao, leaders of various national-level OBC associations, intellectuals, representatives, and OBC leaders from different states.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar recalled his past efforts in fighting for the issues faced by Backward Classes (BCs) under the aegis of the OBC Forum in Parliament during his tenure as an MP. He stated that, currently in Telangana, they are moving forward unitedly on BC issues by bringing together leaders from the Congress party as well as other political parties.
The Minister thanked Jajula Srinivas and his associates for their efforts to bring leaders and intellectuals from across the country onto a single platform to discuss BC issues. He extended a welcome to AICC Secretary Sachin Sawant, as well as the other leaders, intellectuals, and representatives present at the conference.
*Caste Census Completed in Telangana*
The Minister stated that, in fulfillment of the promise made by the Congress party, measures to conduct a caste census were initiated immediately after assuming power in Telangana. He mentioned that the questionnaire was formulated after gathering opinions from experts, intellectuals, and stakeholders across various sections of society. He stated that information was collected from the public across the state based on self-declarations through a door-to-door survey, and the caste census process was completed by assigning one government employee for every 150 families.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar explained that after discussing the matter in the Cabinet and passing a resolution in the Legislative Assembly, they completed all constitutional formalities and submitted a report to the Central Government with the Governor’s approval.
The Minister stated that accurate empirical data is essential to provide reservations and political representation to Backward Classes (BCs). He noted that the Telangana government has already collected empirical data through the caste census.
He expressed bewilderment as to why there is reluctance to enumerate the BC population, even though population counts for various other sections are conducted across the country.
“How can we determine the appropriate share for BCs without counting their actual numbers?” the Minister asked.
He emphasized that the caste census is not merely a population enumeration exercise but the foundation for social justice.
**Need to Reconsider the 50% Limit**
The Minister clarified that they are not opposed to EWS reservations. However, he asserted that the 50% cap on reservations should not become an obstacle to ensuring justice for BCs based on their population.
He stated that decisions regarding reservations need to be made based on comprehensive data concerning the BC population and their social, educational, and economic conditions.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar emphasized the need for all states across the country to speak in unison regarding the rights of BCs. He stated that this is not an issue concerning any single political party, but rather a matter regarding the rights of Backward Classes (BCs) across the country.
Noting that Telangana has shown the way to the nation by completing a caste census, he urged the Central Government to take steps to conduct a nationwide caste census.
“The BC population must be enumerated scientifically, and fair representation provided in proportion to that population; an OBC column must be included in the 2027 census, and there must be a united, nationwide struggle for the rights of BCs,” Minister Ponnam Prabhakar urged.
