Hyderabad: BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar and advisor to the state govt Mohammed Ali Shabbir said the details of the comprehensive survey will be helpful in extending welfare schemes to all sections of the community, depending on their socio-economic, educational, and political status. This is in addition to enhancing the reservations of Backward Classes after thorough discussions.
However, they did not clarify how the govt is going to exceed the 50 per cent quota cap fixed by the Supreme Court but said the 50 per cent mark was breached when the Narendra Modi govt extended 10 per cent EWS reservations.
Prabhakar said any criticism against the caste survey has the potential to be considered as an attack on the BCs. As such, all those trying to point a finger should democratically bring anything they want to point out to the notice of the govt for rectification.
On the difference in the population of BCs and other castes in the Samagra Kutumba Survey conducted by the previous BRS govt, they said K Chandrasekhar Rao should come to the Assembly and give the details of the survey conducted by his previous govt. “I urge KCR to come to the Assembly at least for the sake of the BCs and participate in the discussions. Unlike the KCR govt, we are not going to keep survey details in the refrigerator or almirah,” said Ponnam Prabhakar.
Shabbir Ali said the caste survey findings on Muslims’ backwardness will strengthen the case of the 4 per cent Muslim reservation case in the Supreme Court and also silence its critics.
“The caste survey has provided strong evidence to protect the 4% Muslim reservation, reinforcing its legal standing. The survey is a historic step toward social justice and equitable resource distribution. The data would help design welfare schemes based on real socio-economic conditions, ensuring transparency and inclusivity. The Congress has fulfilled its promise under Rahul Gandhi’s vision and chief minister A Revanth Reddy’s leadership. The survey can be a model for the entire country,” he said.
Shabbir Ali criticised PM Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah for their repeated opposition to the 4% Muslim reservation.
“The fact is that these reservations are for backward Muslims based on their socio-economic status, just like those given to backward classes among Hindus,” he said.
Shabbir Ali also took a dig at former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, accusing him of failing to conduct a proper caste survey. The Samagra Kutumba Survey conducted in 2014 by the BRS government was a wasted exercise, as it lacked scientific methodology and transparency.
